Sepsis Management

Question 1

Focused history for sepsis?

Answer 1

Question 2

What are the post-operative sources of infection associated with sepsis?

Answer 2

• SSI
• Pneumonia
• UTI
• Line

Question 3

How is a deep abscess diagnosed in the context of sepsis?

Answer 3

CT abdomen

Question 4

What precautions should be taken when performing a septic screen?

Answer 4

Put mask on patient + don appropriate PPE

Question 5

List the blood tests included in a septic screen.

Answer 5

• FBC
• CRP
• U&E
• Blood cultures

Question 6

What types of swabs should be taken during a septic screen?

Answer 6

Nasopharyngeal swabs for Flu and Covid

Question 7

Sepsis Diagnosis Criteria?

Answer 7

Question 8

What are the four components of sepsis treatment to give?

Answer 8

• O2 aiming for >94% saturations
• Fluid resus (500 ml bolus of balanced crystalloid over 15 minutes, then reassess BP and fluid status)
• Empiric ABx (tazocin (piperacillin/tazobactam) 4.5 g IV TDS )
• Consider vasopressors or inotropes

Question 9

What is the recommended fluid resuscitation protocol for sepsis?

Answer 9

500 ml bolus of balanced crystalloid over 15 minutes, then reassess BP and fluid status

Question 10

What is the recommended empiric antibiotic for sepsis treatment?

Answer 10

Empiric tazocin (piperacillin/tazobactam) 4.5 g IV TDS

Question 11

What are the four components of sepsis treatment to take?

Answer 11

Question 12

Why should blood cultures ideally be taken before administering antibiotics?

Answer 12

Only positive in ~20% of patients with sepsis