Septicemia

Question 1

Characteristics of Septicemia

Answer 1

• Organisms are actively multiplying in the blood
• Bacteria and viruses
• Also described as “septic”

Question 2

Signs and Symptoms of Septicemia

Answer 2

• Fever
• Altered mental state/ill
• Shaking
• Chills

Question 3

Signs and Symptoms of Septicemia 2

Answer 3

• Gastrointestinal
• Increased breathing
• Respiratory alkalosis
• Low Blood Pressure

Question 4

Causative agents for Septicemia

Answer 4

• Most caused by bacteria
• Even between Gram (+) and Gram (-)
• 10% by fungal
• Polymicrobial bloodstream (multiple microbes)

Question 5

Pathogenesis and Virulence Factors for Septicemia Gram (-)

Answer 5

-Gram (-) bacteria multiplying in blood release a lot of endotoxins

Equals

• Massive inflammatory response
• Decrease in blood pressure
• Endotoxic shock

Question 6

Pathogenesis and Virulence Factors for Septicemia Gram (+)

Answer 6

-Gram (+) similar to Gram (-) when fragments of cell wall are in blood

Question 7

Transmission for Septicemia

Answer 7

Parental introduction of IV or surgical procedure

• Bad UTI
• Renal
• Prostatic
• Pancreatic
• Gallbladder abscesses

Question 8

Epidemiology for Septicemia

Answer 8

• 1/2 a million cases occur each year in the U.S.

- More than 100,000 deaths

Question 9

Culture and Diagnosis for Septicemia

Answer 9

• Blood culture
• Assessment of Antibiotic susceptibilities
• Start Empirical therapy

Question 10

Prevention and Treatment for Septicemia

Answer 10

• Empiric therapy
• Broad spectrum antibiotic
• Adjust treatment after identifying organism