Sepsis and infection prevention

Question 1

what is sepsis?

Answer 1

-life threatening reaction to infection
-the bodies response to infection harms its own tissues and organs
-form of blood poisoning
-immune system overreacts to an infection and harms tissues and organs
-leads to organ failure and death

Question 2

what is the sepsis pathology?

Answer 2

-inflammation caused by the immune systems response to infection

-inflammatory cytokines causes vasodilation, capillary leak and blood clotting

• decrease in blood perfusion and oxygen

-metabolic acidosis due to anaerobic respiration

-organ failure and death

Question 3

what are the vital signs in a deteriorating patient with early stage sepsis?

Answer 3

-high temperature (pyrexial)
-tachycardia
-tachypneic
-high blood pressure

Question 4

who is at risk of sepsis?

Answer 4

-pregnant or recently pregnant
-with HIV/AIDS
-liver cirrhosis
-cancer
-kidney disease
-auto immune disease
-no spleen
-neonates
-hospitalised patients
-patients ICU
-older persons
-anyone affected by a infection or injury

Question 5

What are the symptoms of sepsis in children?

Answer 5

• breathing very fast
  -have a fit
  -has a rash, doesn’t fade then you press on it
  -bluish/ pale
  -abnormally cold to touch
  -lethargic difficult to wake

Question 6

What are the symptoms of sepsis in adults?

Answer 6

-slurred speech/confusion
-extreme shivering/muscle pain
-passing no urine
-severe breathlessness
-feel like you’re going to die
-skin discolouration

Question 7

What are the sepsis six in sixty mins?

Answer 7

‘fabulos’
- IV fluids
-correct antibiotics check for allergies
-blood cultures
-urine output
-lactate
-oxygen