sepsis Flashcards
What is sepsis
A clinical syndrome caused by the body’s immune and coagulation systems being switched on by an infection. Sepsis with shock is a life-threatening condition that is characterized by low blood pressure despite adequate fluid replacement, and organ dysfunction or failure’.
what is the cause of sepsis
caused by infections acquired in both the community and secondary/tertiary care
Any initial site of infection can lead to sepsis e.g. urinary or respiratory tract
Populations at greater risk of sepsis
Infants (under the age of one)
Older people (over 75)
Frail
Immunocompromised due to co-morbidities
Immunocompromised due to drug treatment
Trauma, surgery or invasive procedures in the last 6 weeks
Any breach in skin integrity e.g. cuts, burns, blisters, infections
Misusers of IV drugs or alcohol
People with indwelling lines or cathetars
Pregnant, post-partum, termination of pregnancy or miscarriage in the last 6 weeks
The faster the person with sepsis received treatment,
the greater the chance of survival and the lower the risk of complications
NICE Quality standard [QS161] Sepsis states:
‘Symptoms of sepsis can include, but are not limited to:
High body temperature or low body temperature
Fast heartbeat/breathing
Feeling dizzy or faint/loss of consciousness
A change in mental state e.g. confusion or disorientation
Diarrhoea/nausea & vomiting
Slurred speech
Severe muscle pain
Breathlessness
Reduced urine production
Cold, clammy & pale or mottled skin’
Diagnosis is based on the
recognition of the signs and symptoms
AND
A clinical assessment
Measurement of blood pressure
Heart rate
Respiratory rate
Level of consciousness
Urine output
Oxygen saturation
Temperature
What is NEWS 2
national early warning score
What is the purpose of NEWS 2
to identify acutely ill patients, including those with sepsis, in hospitals in England
How NEWS works - how is a score worked out
Respiration
Oxygen saturation
Systolic blood pressure
Pulse rate
Level of consciousness or new confusion
Temperature
