Patient with Infection

Question 1

State when to suspect an infection.

Answer 1

Fevers/rigors. Recent tropical travel (high suspicion). Non-infectious causes of fever.

Question 2

If a patient has travelled to Africa, what disease would you expect?

Answer 2

Malaria.

Question 3

If a patient has travelled to SE Africa, what disease would you expect?

Answer 3

Dengue virus common.

Question 4

If a patient has travelled to Asia, what disease would you expect?

Answer 4

Typhoid common.

Question 5

Define Sepsis.

Answer 5

Life-threatening organ dysfunction caused by abnormal response to infection.

Question 6

Define Septic Shock.

Answer 6

Sepsis where medication required to maintain blood pressure.

Question 7

State a key feature of a Septic Shock.

Answer 7

Low blood pressure. High respiratory rate. Lactate > 2 mmol/L.

Question 8

State the management of Septic Shock.

Answer 8

Oxygen. Intravenous fluids. Antibiotics.

Question 9

State an investigation of a Patient with Infection.

Answer 9

Bacterial culture - blood, urine. Viral tests - direct detection using PCR. Fungi - culture, antigen detection. Parasites - look for bugs in blood (malaria), stool.