Sepsis is a life threatening condition due to the presence of microrganism in your blood. Sepsis is caused by bacteria, parasites ,fungus,or viruses .Sepsis occurs when a person has infection in the bloodstream or body. That infection triggers a chain reaction throughout the body. Sepsis is a life threatening condition that will start when the body’s severe inflammatory response to the infection will injure it’s own organs and tissues. Sepsis if not recognized on time and treated immediately may lead to shock, death, multiple organ failure.
SIGNS AND SYMPTOMS OF SEPSIS :
1.The worst generalized discomfort.
2.Fever( temperature greater than 100.4°F),chill/Shivering,
3.Rapid heart rate and rapid breathing. 4.Shortness of breath.
5.Confusion and lethargy, sleepy and tired. 6.Urinate frequently but less amount of urine than usual.
7.Edema that is swelling .
8.Dizziness and severe lightheartedness. 9.Hypothermia low body temperature. (Temperature of 95°F(35C))
10.Pale, cold ,clammy skin.
11.Severe pain all over the body.
WHO IS AT RISK FOR SEPSIS?.
Patients with urinary tract infection- urine catheters.
Intravenous access lines/ Implanted devices.
Weak immunocompromised patients .MRSA,C-diff( Bacteria colon infection)
Transplant patients. Radiation therapy. Chemotherapy administration/ medications. Pneumonia/Influenza.
Meningitis.
Chronic condition such as diabetes, AIDS,Cancer.
New born and older adults.
Every hospital has surveillance in which sepsis is monitored. If your patient has any of the above symptoms. Monitor your patient ,check lab values. What is the Lactic acid level?.Call and notify the doctor immediately. Follow doctor orders and your facility policy and procedures.
Nurses You Move Me 