Sepsis

Question 1

What is sepsis triggered by?

Answer 1

An infection

Question 2

What causes the inflammation?

Answer 2

The bodies release of a battery of chemicals and hormones

Question 3

What is septicemia?

Answer 3

The presence in the blood of large numbers of bacteria and their toxins

Question 4

Name 3 effects of systemic infection

Answer 4

• increased cardiac output
• impaired tissue oxygenation, hypoxia, acidosis and hypotension
• inappropriate fluid shift and vasodilation compromising tissue perfusion

Question 5

What does shock to do blood pressure and heart rate?

Answer 5

Blood pressure drops

Heart rate increases

Question 6

Name 3 major pathogens causing sepsis

Answer 6

• MRSA
• Staphylococcus aureus
• Streptococcus pyogenes

Question 7

Name 5 signs and symptoms of sepsis

Answer 7

Wound infection
Urinary symptoms
Productive cough
Abdominal / pelvic pain
Diarrhoea and vomiting
Offensive vaginal discharge 
Tenderness (breast)

Question 8

What are the ‘sepsis 6’

Answer 8

1. Administer high oxygen flow
2. Take blood cultures
3. Give broad spectrum antibiotics
4. Give intravenous fluid challenges
5. Measure serum lactate and hemoglobin
6. Measure accurate hourly urine output

Question 9

What are signs and symptoms of sepsis?

Answer 9

Pallor
Drop in blood pressure and saturation levels 
Increase in pulse and temperature 
Abdo pain
Poor urine output
"Feeling of the end is near"

Question 9

What are some risk factors for sepsis?

Answer 9

Previous sepsis
PROM
Prolonged labour
LSCS
Instrumental
Poor perineal and body hygiene 
Vaginal examination
Catheterisation
Immunosuppressant

Question 9

Name the 2 types of sepsis

Answer 9

Genital tract sepsis

Puerperal sepsis