Recognising Signs and Symptoms of Sepsis

Question 1

What is sepsis?

Answer 1

medical emergency, that affects the immune system due to an infection. It can lead to multiple organ failure

Question 2

what tools can be used for assessing sepsis?

Answer 2

NEWS2 and ABCDE

Question 3

what is the process during assessing sepsis? (SEPSIS 6)

Answer 3

1. ensure senior clinicians is present
2. give oxygen if it is required
3. obtain iv access, take bloods
4. give iv antibiotics
5. give iv fluids
6. monitor stats and urine output

Question 4

what are the risk factors for sepsis?

Answer 4

• age (under 1 year or over 75)
• very frail people
• recent surgery or invasive procedure
• impaired immunity due to illness (pneumonia, diabetes) or drugs, e.g long term steriods or chemotherapy
• indwelling lines, catheters, breach of skin integrity

Question 5

signs of SEPSIS

Answer 5

S - slurred speech
E - extremely cold hands and feet
P - passing no urine and heart palpitations
S - severe breathlessness
I - it feels like you are going to die
S - shivering and muscle pain

Question 6

clinical signs and symptoms of sepsis

Answer 6

• cold or clammy skin
• lactic acid build up
• altered mental status
• mottled and discoloured skin