NEONATAL SEPSIS

Question 1

Causes of sepsis

Answer 1

During labor, infected amniotic fluid gets inhaled
Early sepsis ( 1 to 3 days to age)
Most common Group B strep
If mom has a fever worry about sepsis in baby
Prolonged rupture of membranes puts them at risk( longer than 24 hours)
Late sepsis ( 1 to 3 weeks of age) exposed from hospital
Nosocomial hospital acquired

Question 2

Whatvare clinical sign that the nurse may identify?

Answer 2

Behavioral changes ( more fussy)
Increased episodes of apnea and bradycardia
Color changes ( greenish color)
Temperature instability (hypothermic energy is being used to fight infection)
Feeding intolerance ( vomiting, diarrhea, abd distention)

Question 3

What are the diagnostic evaluations of infections of infants?

Answer 3

Cultures of blood , urine, cerobspinal fluid
Culture befire antibiotic
CBC ( look for anemia)
Look at C reactive protien j( inflammation markers)

Question 4

What is the therapeutic management of neonatal sepsis?

Answer 4

Vigorous antibiotic theraphy(initiate broad spectrum until labs comeback and change meds to what would be most appropriate)
If culture is negative but still showing ss keep them on antibiotics for 7 to 10 days
If culture neg and they become asymptomatic stop antibiotics 72 hrs