Essay On Sepsis

The systemic inflammatory response is the next step in the continuum and is a nonspecific inflammatory state that may be seen with an infection. Sepsis is the presence of the systemic inflammatory response syndrome (SIRS) with evidence of infection. As the bacteria invade the bloodstream, they release endotoxins that damage the endothelial cell lining and impair the vascular system, coagulation mechanism, and immune system. These endotoxins also trigger the immune and inflammatory responses, which results in the activation of macrophages and CD4 cells that release proinflammatory cytokines to create a systemic inflammatory response to the pathogen. Hospitalized patients may quickly progress from bacteremia to sepsis and finally to septic shock, even with treatment.

Is sepsis complicated by organ dysfunction, is diagnosed in more than 750,000 patients per year and has mortality rates as high as 28%-50%.

Sepsis is the number one cause of death in intensive care units in the U.S. More than 750,000 cases of sepsis occur each year and about one third of those patients die from it (McKinney, 2014; Ulloa, 2011). Sepsis is a serious condition that is a result of an inflammatory response to infection that can damage organs if left untreated. Severe sepsis occurs when the infection leads to organ dysfunction. Septic shock is when multiple organ failure occurs due to infection and is worse than sepsis and severe sepsis.

Sepsis is defined by the Surviving Sepsis Campaign (SSC) as “the presence (probable or documented) of infection together with systemic manifestations of infection” (Dellinger et al.,

The WBC and platelets are high because the Pt.’s body is trying to fight an infection.

Under the Core measures, Sepsis is one of the problem-focused trigger for systemic infection and if untreated which can lead to death. In United States, it is the 11th leading cause of death and consumes the large amount of costs about $20.3 billion in 2011 (Jones et al.,2016). According to Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), more than 1.5 million people diagnosed with sepsis, and at least 250,000 patients die from that yearly (CDC, 2017). The evidence-based research revealed with results of certain pre existing conditions, pathophysiological studies, preventive measures and sepsis bundle for treating and preventing sepsis to save the life of the patients.

A diagnosis of sepsis includes a suspected or confirmed infection that is usually accompanied by a body temperature above 101 F (38.3 C) or below 96.8 F (36 C), a heart rate higher than 90 beats a minute and/or a respiratory rate above 20 breaths per minute.

As sepsis progresses, tissues become less perfused and acidotic, compensation begins to fail, and the patient begins to show organ dysfunction. The cardiovascular system also begins to fail, the blood pressure does not respond to fluid resuscitation and vasoactive agents, and signs of end-organ damage are evident (e.g., renal failure, pulmonary failure, hepatic failure). As sepsis progresses to septic shock, the blood pressure drops, and the skin becomes cool, pale, and mottled. Temperature may be normal or below normal. Heart and respiratory rates remain rapid. Urine production ceases, and multiple organ dysfunction progressing to death occurs. Adventitious lung sounds occur throughout the lung fields, not just in the upper fields of the lungs.

et al., 2008). Sepsis is a frequent cause of admission to intensive care units (ICUs) and it

A methodical search was undertaken of the databases – PubMed, CINAHL and ScienceDirect to ascertain the most appropriate evidence. Search terms used were “Sepsis Prevention”, “Sepsis Management” “Sepsis Early Recognition” and “Sepsis Detection” and merged using Boolean Logic (Glasper and Rees,

Subsequently, additional studies and consortiums have produced an exhaustive list of screening criteria for the diagnosis of sepsis. In 2001, the International Sepsis Definitions Conference published an elaborate, collaborative criteria for sepsis involving general physiologic parameters, inflammatory

Severe Sepsis affects 750,000 Americans and causes more than 200,000 deaths annually. Sepsis is a complex condition that results from an infectious process that represents the body's response to infection and involves systemic inflammatory and cellular events that result in altered circulation and coagulation, endothelial dysfunction and impaired tissue perfusion (Kleinpell, 2005). Associated mortality rates with sepsis in the United States have remained largely unchanged for several decades. Through an international collaboration known as the

The priority assessment for sepsis is identifying patients at highest risk for sepsis, although all patients should be monitored for clinical manifestations. Patients at increased risk include those with chronic illnesses, under one year old or older than 85 years old, the immunosuppressed, postoperative patients, and those debilitated or with poor nutrition (Bernstien 2013, pg 25). To identify sepsis early the nurse will need to look for a respiratory rate of >20, heart rate >90, temperature >100.4 or < 96.8*F, and a white blood cell count of >12,000 cells/mm3 or < 4,000 cells/mm3. Assessments after the resuscitation bundle has begun would include respiratory, cardiovascular, integumentary, urinary, and neurological systems, as well as laboratory values. Respiratory would be assessed for rate and oxygen saturation. Central venous pressure, mean arterial pressure, systolic blood pressure, pulse quality and peripheral pulses would be assessed for the cardiovascular system. Skin would be assessed for warmth, color, and whether it is clammy or dry. Skin would also be assessed for petechiae, ecchymosis, or bleeding of mucous membranes to ensure disseminated intravascular coagulation (DIC) has not begun. Urinary output would be monitored to ensure adequate perfusion to the kidneys and for signs of urinary tract infections. Neurological would be assessed for any changes from baseline mental status. The most important

Sepsis, a potentially life-threatening complication of an infection, occurs when chemicals are released into the bloodstream to fight infection. These chemicals trigger inflammatory responses throughout the body (Mayo Clinic Staff, 2016). Sepsis can be triggered by any type of infection: bacterial, viral, or fungal. Contrary to popular belief, sepsis is responsible for a great number of deaths in the United States alone. Sepsis kills more than 258,000 Americans per year, is the number one cause of death in hospitals, and kills more Americans than prostate cancer, breast cancer, and acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS) combined. (Rory Staunton Foundation for Sepsis Prevention, n.d.) As cited in nursing journal, “Sepsis: Diagnostic and Therapeutic Challenges,” ‘One of the

Sepsis is a non-contagious condition often resulted from a bacterial infection which is diagnosed by three clinical stages: first, second, and third stages in which the major diagnostic is manifested by altered mental status (AMS), increase respiratory rate (tachypnea), and low blood pressure (hypotension).