Sepsis Flashcards
(28 cards)
What happens to the cell when blood flow stops?
The cell switches to anaerobic metabolism, swells, weakens, and eventually dies.
What stress signals are released when a cell dies?
Catecholamines and cortisol are released, along with glucagon pouring sugar into the bloodstream.
What is the role of the gang called Overclot?
Overclot, made of platelets and fibrin, forms clots that clog up the bloodstream.
What is Disseminated Intravascular Coagulation (DIC)?
DIC is the dangerous mess caused by excessive clot formation in the bloodstream.
What lab tests indicate the body is running out of clotting supplies?
Rising D-dimer levels, a longer PT/INR, and fewer platelets and fibrinogen.
What happens to the body when it runs out of clotting supplies?
The body cannot stop bleeding, leading to bruises and bleeding at IV sites.
Which organs are affected when blood and oxygen supply is compromised?
The lungs, liver, kidneys, and brain, known as the SOFA organs, begin to suffer.
What happens to the body when it is under attack?
The body can go into shock and may not recover.
What is the moral of the story?
The story illustrates how quickly things can go wrong when the body is under attack.
What can sepsis and shock lead to?
Sepsis and shock can spread quickly, leading to a dangerous cascade.
How can we stop the damage from sepsis and shock?
With early recognition and fast treatment, we can stop the damage and save lives.
Who are the heroes in the fight against sepsis and shock?
Nurses and doctors are the heroes who watch for the signs and act in time.
What is sepsis?
Sepsis is a life-threatening organ dysfunction caused by a dysregulated host response to infection, leading to systemic inflammation, cellular dysfunction, and potentially, organ failure.
What is septic shock?
Septic shock is a subset of sepsis characterized by persistent hypotension requiring vasopressors and elevated lactate despite adequate fluid resuscitation.
What are common sources of infection leading to sepsis?
Common sources include urinary tract infections, pneumonia, GI infections, skin/soft tissue infections, and hospital-acquired infections.
What are hospital-acquired infections?
Hospital-acquired infections are CMS-reportable events and represent preventable failures in care.
What does SIRS stand for and its criteria?
SIRS stands for Systemic Inflammatory Response Syndrome. Criteria include: Temp >100.4°F or <96.8°F, HR >90, RR >20, WBC >12k or <4k.
What does SOFA stand for and its criteria?
SOFA stands for Sequential Organ Failure Assessment. Criteria include: SBP <100 mmHg, GCS <15, RR >22. It scores lungs, liver, kidneys, cardiovascular, CNS, and coagulation.
What does NEWS stand for?
NEWS stands for National Early Warning Score, which includes SBP, HR, RR, temp, and AVPU scale (≥5 = urgent).
What is the nurse’s role in early sepsis identification?
Nurses should be vigilant for early signs, use EHR alerts, maintain sterile technique, and initiate timely sepsis bundle interventions.
What are the components of the one-hour sepsis bundle?
- Measure lactate. 2. Draw blood cultures. 3. Administer broad-spectrum antibiotics. 4. Give 30 mL/kg fluids for hypotension or lactate ≥4 mmol/L. 5. Start vasopressors for MAP <65 mmHg.
What are the nursing responsibilities in managing shock?
Draw labs, give antibiotics (secondary tubing), monitor BP q30min, escalate care.
What is the progression of cellular damage in shock?
- Hypoperfusion → anaerobic metabolism → lactic acid
- Cell membrane dysfunction → permeability T
- Electrolyte imbalance, mitochondrial failure
- Inflammation → DIC if not treated
