Sepsis

Question 1

What is Sepsis?

Answer 1

• Life threatening condition that occurs when the body’s response to infection injures its own organs and tissue

Question 2

The focus of out of hospital treatment of sepsis? (3 things)

Answer 2

• RECOGNISE risk factors, signs and symptoms of sepsis
• RESUSCITATE with IV fluids and antibiotics if indicated
• TRANSPORT to ED and identification of sepsis risk factors during clinical handover

Question 3

Sepsis risk factors in adults?

Answer 3

• Any red zone vital signs or 2 yellow vital signs plus any of the following:
• Re-presentation within 48hrs of medical care
• Indwelling medical device
• Age >65yrs
• Recent surgery or wound
• Immunocompromised
• Fall

Question 4

Signs and symptoms of Sepsis in adults?

Answer 4

• Fever or rigors
• Cough/sputum/breathlessness
• Abdominal pain/distensions/peritonism
• Dysuria
• Altered cognition
• Line associated infection/redness/swelling/pain

Question 5

Paediatric sepsis risk factors?

Answer 5

• Any vital sign out of normal range plus any of the following
• Re-presentation within 48hrs of medical care
• 3months of age or younger
• Immunocompromised
• Central line or other invasive device
• Deterioration despite treatment
• High level of parental concern
• Recent surgery or wound

Question 6

Paediatric sepsis signs and symptoms

Answer 6

• Signs of toxicity: decreased alertness, arousal or activity; pale or mottled colour; cool peripheries; weak cry; grunting, fever, rigors, bounding pulses, wide pulse pressure
• Persistent tachycardia
• Known high or low white blood cell count
• Non-blanching rash
• Line-associated infection/redness/swelling/pain

Question 7

Sepsis treatment?

Answer 7

• Main line of treatment is antibiotics if known cause and available
• Compound sodium lactate
• Pain management/anti-pyretic (paracetamol)

Question 8

Compound sodium lactate dose for sepsis?

Answer 8

• For all ages, 20mL/kg IV/IO, no max, repeat whilst indicated