Definitions
This term describes a life-threatening organ dysfunction caused by a dysregulated response to infection
What is Sepsis?
Sepsis begins when microorganisms enter the body from this source
What is an infection?
This vital sign is often the earliest indicator of sepsis in children.
What is tachycardia?
This population is at highest risk for developing sepsis.
Who are the elderly, infants, and immunocompromised?
The first priority in suspected sepsis in the prehospital setting is
What is airway, breathing, and oxygenation?
This condition occurs when sepsis leads to persistent hypotension requiring vasopressors and elevated lactate
What is Septic Shock?
In sepsis, inflammatory mediators cause this effect on blood vessels.
What is vasodilation?
Fever in sepsis occurs due to this immune mechanism.
What is cytokine release?
This is the most common source of sepsis in adults.
What is pneumonia?
This is the primary PCP intervention to treat hypotension in sepsis
What is IV crystalloid fluid bolus (normal saline)?
This is the body’s exaggerated immune response that causes widespread inflammation
What is the systemic inflammatory response (SIRS)?
This mechanism leads to capillary leak and third spacing of fluids
What is increased vascular permeability?
Hypotension in sepsis is primarily caused by this process
What is systemic vasodilation and fluid loss from capillary leak?
This urinary condition commonly leads to sepsis in older adults
What is UTI or pyelonephritis?
This medication may be administered by ACP for persistent hypotension after fluids.
What is norepinephrine (or epinephrine)?
This lab marker is commonly elevated in sepsis and indicates tissue hypoperfusion
What is Lactate?
This cellular process causes decreased oxygen utilization despite adequate oxygen delivery.
What is mitochondrial dysfunction?
Altered mental status in sepsis is caused by this physiologic change
What is cerebral hypoperfusion and inflammation?
This type of skin condition can lead to sepsis through bacterial invasion
What is cellulitis or infected wounds?
This diagnostic test helps identify hypoperfusion in sepsis.
What is blood glucose or lactate monitoring
This scoring system is used to identify patients at risk of sepsis outside the ICU
What is qSOFA?
This advanced pathophysiologic process results in widespread clot formation and bleeding risk in severe sepsis.
What is disseminated intravascular coagulation (DIC)?
Warm, flushed skin in early septic shock is due to this hemodynamic state.
What is distributive shock with peripheral vasodilation
This abdominal condition can lead to polymicrobial sepsis
What is perforated bowel, appendicitis, or peritonitis?
This advanced complication of sepsis requires aggressive airway management and vasopressors.
What is septic shock with multi-organ failure?