Sepsis Basics
What is hand hygiene?
Hand hygiene is the practice of cleaning hands to prevent infection transmission and reduce the risk of sepsis
What is hypotension?
Systolic blood pressure less than of equal to 100
What does qSOFA stand for?
Quick sequential organ failure assessment
What is the key in improving patient outcomes with sepsis?
Early recognition of sepsis
What does MODS stand for?
Multiple Organ Dysfunction Syndrome.
What is sepsis?
An infection that can cause systemic changes that affect the function of every body system and can trigger an alarming cascade of events.
What vital sign is most likely to be inaccurately measured?
Respiratory rate
What are two types of samples that would be taken with suspected sepsis?
Blood, sputum, urine, or wound
What type of rapid response is a nurse allowed to call when a patient is suspected to have sepsis?
Code Sepsis
What is Disseminated Intravascular Coagulation (DIC)?
A life-threatening coagulopathy with excessive clotting followed by hemorrhage.
What are 2 sepsis risk factors?
Advanced age, immunosuppression, recent surgery, use of invasive devices, chronic illness.
What blood lab result could be elevated in sepsis?
WBC and lactate
What early warning score systems can be used to detect sepsis?
Modified Early Warning Score (MEWS) and National Early Warning Score 2 (NEWS-2).
What could you educate the family and patient about in terms of sepsis?
Treatment needs, the disease process, and any possible isolation protocols
What are two complications of sepsis progression?
Hypoxia, hypoperfusion, hyperglycemia, malnutrition, organ failure, tissue death, DIC
What is septic shock?
A diagnosis of sepsis along with persistent hypotension when hypovolemia is not present, despite adequate crystalloid fluid resuscitation, which requires infusion of a vasopressor to maintain a map greater than or equal to 65.
What changes in mental status indicate possible sepsis?
Change in LOC, confusion, not making sense, disorientation
What lactate level is used as a threshold for concern in sepsis?
>2 mmol/L
Why should blood cultures be obtained before giving antibiotics?
To identify the causative pathogen and guide targeted treatment.
How does sepsis affect blood flow to organs?
It impairs circulation, leading to tissue hypoxia and organ failure.
What pathogens can cause sepsis?
Bacteria (gram-positive and gram-negative), viruses, and fungi
What is serum lactate level?
Serum lactate level is used to indicate tissue hypoperfusion and can indicate the severity of sepsis.
What are 2 vital sign changes that indicate sepsis?
Temp of 100.4 or greater, or less than 96.8. Heart rate greater than 90 beats per minutes, respiration rate greater than 20 breaths per minute.
What is the 3-hour resuscitation bundle
Measure Lactate Levels
Obtain Blood Cultures Before Administering Antibiotics
Administer Broad-Spectrum Antibiotics
Administer 30 mL/kg Crystalloid Fluids for Hypotension or Lactate ≥4 mmol/L
What is the role of the rapid response team (RRT) in sepsis care?
They provide critical care expertise to prevent deterioration and death.