Foundations of Freaky Fevers
This term describes life‑threatening organ dysfunction caused by a dysregulated host response to infection.
Sepsis
This age group is considered high‑risk for sepsis.
Neonates
These respiratory features may indicate sepsis even without a clear respiratory illness.
Tachypnoea, hypoxia, or grunting
In paediatric sepsis, this vital sign change may be subtle at first but is often the earliest marker of circulatory compromise.
Tachycardia
These medications should be started early and empirically in suspected sepsis
Empiric antibiotics
This timeframe after sepsis recognition is critical for improving outcomes.
These two populations are specifically listed as high‑risk groups in Australia.
Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children
A central capillary refill time (CRT) longer than this suggests cardiovascular dysfunction.
> 2 seconds.
This physical finding—often described as pale, cool or mottled—indicates impaired microcirculatory function.
Abnormal skin perfusion
This type of resuscitation must be carefully titrated to avoid fluid overload while improving perfusion
Fluid resuscitation
Clinicians must recognise that this haemodynamic indicator—often expected earlier—appears late in paediatric septic shock, making it an unreliable early screening sign.
Hypotension
Children with these devices are at higher risk.
Central venous access devices
This describes a key neurological sign: lethargy, irritability, floppiness, or a weak cry.
Altered conscious state
This haemodynamic finding indicates poor perfusion, especially when above 2 seconds.
Delayed capillary refill
When IV access is difficult, this alternative route is recommended for delivering inotropes and emergency medications.
Intraosseous (IO) access
Sepsis with evidence of cardiovascular organ dysfunction, where hypotension is a late sign.
Septic Shock
Infants younger than this age are at risk for specific pathogens like E. coli and Group B Strep.
< 2 months of age?
This type of rash is concerning for sepsis when present with an unwell appearance.
Non‑blanching rash
A child with suspected sepsis has pale skin, cool peripheries, and prolonged capillary refill. These signs together suggest what early process
The development of septic shock
This is the very first priority once sepsis is suspected, as early identification improves the chance of preventing organ dysfunction.
Assess airway and breathing and administer oxygen if required, Rapid vascular access
This sign of sepsis may be absent in neonates or immunocompromised children, making diagnosis more challenging.
Fever (or hypothermia)
Children with weakened defence mechanisms against infection fall into this elevated-risk group for developing sepsis
Immunocompromised children
Decreased urine output below this level may indicate shock.
< 1 mL/kg/hr
A clinician notes tachypnoea and grunting in a child without respiratory pathology. According to the guideline, what circulatory disturbance does this respiratory pattern most likely reflect
A compensatory response to metabolic acidosis caused by impaired tissue perfusion in septic shock
If a child with sepsis continues to show signs of poor perfusion despite appropriate fluid resuscitation, this class of medications should be started early — and can even be safely given through a peripheral cannula or intraosseous (IO) line during initial resuscitation.
Vasopressors/inotropes