Sepsis

Question 1

Steps to determine sepsis event

Answer 1

Does the patient have a history suggestive of sepsis?
Does the patient have physical signs suggestive of shock?
Does the patient have two or more abnormal vital signs?

Question 2

Points of a patient history suggestive of shock?

Answer 2

Recent illness (UTI, pneumonia, cellulitis)
Recent hospitalization
Current or recent stay in a long term care facility
Immunosuppression due to chemotherapy or chronic steriod use
Elderly or transplant patient

Question 3

Signs suggestive of shock for sepsis?

Answer 3

Change in mental status
Ill appearing
Poorly perfused mottled skin

Question 4

Abnormal vital signs for sepsis?

Answer 4

HR>90
RR>20
Systolic BP <90
Temperature = 96.8 or >/= 100.2

Question 5

If history and vital signs indicate sepsis, what is the protocol?

Answer 5

BLS-request ALS, no not delay transport if ALS not available
BLS/ALS-Oxygen via NRB
ALS-IV/IO access to administer fluid bolus of 250 ml
ENTRY NOTE

Question 6

What is sepsis?

Answer 6

Complex release of toxins and activation of inflammatory chemical, usually due to an infection. Leads to vasodilation which leads to shock