What term is used for the condition of blood poisoning?

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Study for the Medical Terminology Test. Prepare with flashcards and multiple choice questions, each question includes hints and detailed explanations. Ensure exam readiness!

The term that accurately describes the condition of blood poisoning is sepsis. Sepsis occurs when the body's response to an infection leads to widespread inflammation, causing a cascade of changes that can result in organ failure and, if severe, can be life-threatening. It is often triggered by an infection in the bloodstream, lungs, urinary tract, or various other sites in the body.

Bacteremia refers specifically to the presence of bacteria in the blood, which can occur without leading to the more systemic and severe responses associated with sepsis. Toxemia, on the other hand, refers to the presence of toxins in the blood, which may not necessarily involve an infectious process, but instead can stem from various other causes, such as certain medications or conditions. Leukemia is a type of cancer that affects the blood and bone marrow, leading to the production of abnormal white blood cells, and is not directly related to blood poisoning. Therefore, sepsis is the condition that best represents the complex and severe response to infection that can result in blood poisoning.

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