Acute Sepsis Flashcards Preview

Year 1 Infection > Acute Sepsis > Flashcards

Flashcards in Acute Sepsis Deck (16)
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1
Q

List the Classical Signs and Symptoms of Sepsis

A

Young patient, rapid deterioration, high resps temp and pulse and low BP). Acutely unwell, fever, headaches, lethargy and muscle aches. Possible meningitis signs (purpuric rash, neck stiffness and photophobia).

2
Q

What is Sepsis?

A

Life threatening organ dysfunction due to a dysregulated host immune response to infection.

3
Q

What is septic shock?

A

Persisting hypotension despite fluid resuscitation requiring additional treatment.

4
Q

Define Bacteraemia.

A

Bacteria in the blood

5
Q

How to identify sepsis?

A

EWS scores, clinical features (is there an infection?), GCS and red flag checks (Low BP, high pulse temp or resp rate)

6
Q

What do you do if a patient has red flag sepsis?

A

Inform a senior for review
Send urgent investigations
Sepsis 6 bundle

7
Q

What are the sepsis 6?

A
Oxygen
Blood cultures 
IV antibiotics 
Fluid Challenge 
Lactate 
Urine output
8
Q

What are the urgent investigations needed in sepsis?

A

FBC, U+E, EDTA for PCR, BMs, LFT, CRP, Clotting, blood gases and microbiology samples.

9
Q

How does host immunity result in sepsis?

A

Cytokines (TNF and interleukins) are released by macrophages to give inflammatory response.
Cytokines stimulate growth factor, macrophages and platelets. Thrombin production increased, fibrinolysis inhibited by cytokines.
Humoral cascade is activated.
Infection is not controlled and DIC and/or organ injury.

10
Q

Why do peripheries go cold and pale first?

A

Redirecting flow to major organs because the system is struggling.

11
Q

What supportive care is used in treating sepsis?

A

ITU referral
Sepsis 6
Regular monitoring

12
Q

What antimicrobial is used to treat sepsis?

A

Ceftriaxone

13
Q

List the life threatening complications of sepsis.

A
Irreverisble hypotension 
Resp failure 
Renal Failure 
Raise ICP
Ischamia and necrosis of limbs and digits
14
Q

How to confirm a diagnosis of sepsis?

A

Blood culture, blood PCR and lumbar puncture if possible (microscope and culture or PCR)

15
Q

Whats checked in CSF?

A
Glucose and proteins
Culture 
Appearance (turbidity and colour)
WBC and RBC
Gram Stain
PCR
16
Q

What is the prime suspect in a university student presenting with suspect meningitis and sepsis?

A

Neisseria Meningitidis