sepsis

Question 1

define colonisation

Answer 1

the presence of microbes in the human body that do not cause infection or illicit an immune response

Question 2

define infection

Answer 2

the occurrence of inflammation due to the presence of a microbe

Question 3

define septicaemia

Answer 3

presence of VIABLE microbes in the blood (i.e. microbes that are able to successfully reproduce in the blood)

Question 4

what does SIRS stand for?

Answer 4

systemic inflammatory response syndrome

Question 5

what are the 4 possible factors that can cause SIRS? (of which you need two to define SIRS)

Answer 5

• temperature above or equal to 38 or below 36
• HR above 100 ppm
• respiratory rate above 20 per min
• leukocyte count higher than 16,000 or lower than 4,000

Question 6

what is sepsis defined as?

Answer 6

SIRS plus a documented infection site

Question 7

what is SEVERE sepsis defined as?

Answer 7

sepsis associated with organ dysfunction, hypo perfusion abnormalities OR hypotension

Question 8

what is the definition of septic shock?

Answer 8

sepsis induced hypotension despite fluid resuscitation PLUS hypo perfusion abnormalities

Question 9

list six risk factors for sepsis

Answer 9

• diabetes
• asplenic patients
• cancer
• immunosuppression (steroids, chemotherapy, immunosuppressants)
• severe wounds/ burns
• prosthetic devices - cannula, catheters, heart valves

Question 10

what are four key pathophysiology events which lead to sepsis?

Answer 10

vasodilation, activation of coagulation, diffuse endothelial dysfunction, increased endothelial permeability

Question 11

what is the SEPSIS SIX?

Answer 11

1. administer high flow oxygen
2. take blood for cultures
3. give broad spectrum antibiotics
4. give intravenous fluid challenges
5. measure serum lactate and haemoglobin
6. measure accurate hourly urine output

Question 12

what factors would you look at in a blood test to diagnose infection?

Answer 12

WCC (white cell count); CRP levels, platelets, clotting