Non RN/Non Provider Questions
Sepsis Antibiotics
Sepsis Fluids
Lab Specimens
Sepsis Presentation
100

What is Sepsis?

Sepsis is a life-threatening medical emergency caused by your body's extreme, overactive response to an infection. 

It requires immediate medical attention; every hour without treatment increases the risk of organ damage or death.

100

What blood test should be drawn before administering antibiotics in the Sepsis protocol?

Blood cultures

100

What are the 2 recommended Sepsis IV solutions?

Lactated Ringers and Normal Saline

100

True or False 

A Lactic Acid specimen should be placed in ice after collection.

True

100

What is Sepsis?


Sepsis is a life-threatening medical emergency caused by your body's extreme, overactive response to an infection. 

It requires immediate medical attention; every hour without treatment increases the risk of organ damage or death.

200

What are 2 possible signs and symptoms of sepsis?

T - Temperature higher or lower than normal

I - Infection

M - Mental changes -confusion, sleepy

E - Extreme pain, discomfort, short of breath


200

Should antibiotics or a fluid bolus be given 1st when septic shock is present?  

Antibiotics

200

What is the recommended amount/rate for sepsis bolus fluids to be administered?      

30 ml/kg/hr 

200

True or False 

Can a lactic acid specimen tube and blood culture bottles be transported to the Lab via the tube system?

Yes

200

What are signs and symptoms of possible sepsis?

T - Temperature higher or lower than normal

I - Infection

M - Mental changes -confusion, sleepy

E - Extreme pain, discomfort, short of breath

300

How can you prevent Sepsis?

Good hygiene, Handwashing, vaccines, early medical help - MD/Urgent Care/ER

300

What should be checked on the patient prior to giving medications?

Patient ID and allergies

300

What  are 2 indications that require a Sepsis Fluid Bolus?

Initial hypotension: 2 BPs  systolic under 90 or       Septic Shock 

300

How many mls of blood is required to fill a blood culture bottle?

8-10 mls

300

Everybody can get Sepsis - Name 2 groups of people at higher risk to get Sepsis.

  • Age: Adults aged 65 or older and children younger than 1 year.
  • Weakened Immune System: People with cancer, HIV/AIDS, or those taking immunosuppressant drugs (like chemotherapy).
  • Chronic Medical Conditions: Diabetes, lung disease (COPD), kidney disease, or liver disease.
  • Recent Hospitalization: Recent surgery, intensive care (ICU) stays, or a history of recent infections.
  • Medical Devices: Having invasive devices like urinary catheters, IV lines, or breathing tubes.
  • Severe Injuries: Large burns or major physical trauma.
  • Pregnancy
400

What are 2 signs and symptoms of a possible infection?

fever, chills, fatigue, muscle aches, and headache, confusion Other indicators include cough, shortness of breath, sore throat, vomiting, diarrhea, and localized signs like swelling, redness, or pus.

400

What is the ideal time frame to administer antibiotics when Sepsis is suspected/known?

Best practice is within 1 hr of suspected/known sepsis

400

What sepsis fluid should NOT be administered together with piperacillin (Zosyn)?

 Lactated Ringers

400

Which blood culture tube should be drawn 1st?  Aerobic or anaerobic?

Aerobic - reason air may be in the collection set.    Remember:  E before N  Aerobic Anaerobic

400

Name 2 of the 4 SIRS criteria.

Temp >100.9 or < 96.8  

HR rate > 90 

RR >20

WBC > 12,000 or <4,000

500

Everybody can get Sepsis - Name 2 groups of people at higher risk to get Sepsis.

  • Age: Adults aged 65 or older and children younger than 1 year.
  • Weakened Immune System: People with cancer, HIV/AIDS, or those taking immunosuppressant drugs (like chemotherapy).
  • Chronic Medical Conditions: Diabetes, lung disease (COPD), kidney disease, or liver disease.
  • Recent Hospitalization: Recent surgery, intensive care (ICU) stays, or a history of recent infections.
  • Medical Devices: Having invasive devices like urinary catheters, IV lines, or breathing tubes.
  • Severe Injuries: Large burns or major physical trauma.
  • Pregnancy


500

Which order set lists the common antibiotics ordered for Sepsis?

Sepsis order set

500

When should the patient's BP be checked after the sepsis fluid bolus is administered?

2 BPs should be documented within 60 minutes after completion of the fluids bolus

500

When is a repeat lactic acid blood test required to be drawn?

If the initial lactic acid is over 2.0, the repeat lactic acid should be drawn within 6 hrs after Severe Sepsis Presentation 

500

Name 2 common sources of Sepsis in your body.

Skin/soft tissue infections

Urinary tract infections

Pneumonia infections

Abdominal infections

Blood infections

Brain infections

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