Sepsis is a life threatening condition that rise when the body is responding to severe infection that injures the organs and tissues. Sepsis can lead to shock ,multiple organ failure and death if it is not treated properly and promptly. All of the organs are susceptible to damage from sepsis. Sepsis can cause cellular damage that may be caused by lack of oxygen to the tissues.
Report the following symptoms to the doctor immediately:
Fever.(100.4°F or higher)
Altered mental status.
Core temperature of <96.8F.<36°C.
Heart rate >90.
Edema.
Hyperglycermia in non-diabetic patient. Leukocytosis,Leukopenia. Low blood pressure.
1.Should nurses monitor patient who has lung infection for sepsis?.
Answer : It is very important for nurses to closely monitor patients with lungs infection especially Pneumonia. The most common site of infection which can lead to sepsis is the respiratory tract.( Any signs and symptoms of sepsis should be reported immediately to the doctor so that treatment will resume promptly. )
Rationale:Recent studies show that respiratory system is the most common site of infection (37.4%) and the urinary system is the next.
2.What are CDC recommendations for prevention of infection?.
Answer: CDC recommends:
1.Hands washing frequently and encourage people around you to wash their hands too . 2.Avoid crowded areas and people you know that are sick .
3.Get flu vaccine as recommended by your doctor. Bathe or shower every day unless contraindicated.
4.Cook food thoroughly to kill germs.
5.Wash fruits and vegetables well.etc.
3. Can sepsis develop during pregnancy, after giving birth or after an abortion?.
Answer:
Maternal sepsis can develop during pregnancy or after birth. Though it is more common in underdeveloped countries due to their poor sanitation practices.But it is currently rising in developed countries due to maternal age,multiple gestation, and maternal obesity. World wide sepsis is the cause of 11% of maternal deaths and may also be the cause of Thromboembolism and hemorrhage that will lead to causalities also.
4.Can comorbidities in pregnant women increase the risk of developing sepsis?.
Answer:
Comorbidities such as mastitis, viral or bacterial infection, obesity, diabetes, cesarean section, prolonged and obstructed labor.Limited prenatal care, miscarriage or induced abortion. Cervical stitches and premature rupture membranes(Sepsis Alliance,2019) can increase the risk of developing sepsis.(Group B Streptococcus (GBS)is the most common cause of neonatal early- onset sepsis and can equally cause late onset in young infants. )
5. What are the population at risk for developing sepsis?.
Answer:
Population at risk for developing sepsis are :Patients with bacteremia.
Patients that are admitted in ICU.
Population of 65years or older.
Infants and children who are underage under ten years.
People with chronic illness.
Those undergoing treatment of cancer,liver disease, HIV/AIDS, diabetes.
Population with severe burns or physical trauma.
Nosocomial infection patients.
Also immunocompromised patients.
Transplant recipients.
Nurses You Move Me 