Medicine /Pharm Y2S2 - Sepsis
Pharm Y2S2 - Sepsis
This deck covers key concepts related to sepsis, including definitions, risk factors, treatment protocols, and symptoms. It is designed to help students understand the systemic effects of sepsis and the importance of timely intervention.
Define sepsis
an infection with systemic effects Such as: pyrexia, pallor, tachycardia and raised infection markers in the blood
Tap or swipe ↕ to flip
Swipe ←→Navigate
SSpeak
FFocus
1/30
Key Terms
Term
Definition
Define sepsis
an infection with systemic effects Such as: pyrexia, pallor, tachycardia and raised infection markers in the blood
Define severe sepsis
low urine output <0.5mL/Kg/hr low arterial oxygen concentrations changes in blood clotting (INR >1.5) raised bilirubin >70µmol/L raised lactate >1mmol...
Define septic shock
sepsis induced hypertension persisting despite fluid resuscitation. Systolic BP <90mmHg OR Mean arterial pressure 70mmHg
What are the risk factors for sepsis?
immunosuppression neonates & infants chronic disease recent surgery invasive procedures (e.g. catheters)
What is septic shock?
A deregulated inflammatory response involved the release of cytokines, nitric oxide, activation of complement and endothelial activation
What does vasodilation cause?
A reduction in systemic vascular resistance. Body becomes fluid deplete, perfusion of tissue is reduced, lactate and tissue ischaemia increase
Related Flashcard Decks
Study Tips
- Press F to enter focus mode for distraction-free studying
- Review cards regularly to improve retention
- Try to recall the answer before flipping the card
- Share this deck with friends to study together
| Term | Definition |
|---|---|
Define sepsis | an infection with systemic effects Such as: pyrexia, pallor, tachycardia and raised infection markers in the blood |
Define severe sepsis | low urine output <0.5mL/Kg/hr low arterial oxygen concentrations changes in blood clotting (INR >1.5) raised bilirubin >70µmol/L raised lactate >1mmol/L |
Define septic shock | sepsis induced hypertension persisting despite fluid resuscitation. Systolic BP <90mmHg OR Mean arterial pressure 70mmHg |
What are the risk factors for sepsis? | immunosuppression neonates & infants chronic disease recent surgery invasive procedures (e.g. catheters) |
What is septic shock? | A deregulated inflammatory response involved the release of cytokines, nitric oxide, activation of complement and endothelial activation |
What does vasodilation cause? | A reduction in systemic vascular resistance. Body becomes fluid deplete, perfusion of tissue is reduced, lactate and tissue ischaemia increase |
Why is the first hour key to the outcome of patients with sepsis? | mortality increases by 10% for every hour delayed |
What is a rise in lactate a sign of? | Organ failure |
What are the ‘Sepsis Six’? | Administer O2 Take blood cultures Give broad spectrum antibiotics Fluid resuscitation Measure lactate Measure urine output |
What does administering O2 do and how is it given? | increases blood oxygenation and increases blood delivery to organs. - given through a face mask with 100% oxygen |
What are the indicators for needing to administer O2? | Raised lactate and low venous oxygen |
Why is it necessary to take blood cultures? | To identify the causative organism so that the correct treatment can be given. Treatment with antibiotics should be continued even when waiting for blood results. |
What are the likely organisms to cause a respiratory infection? | Gram positive - staph and strep |
What are the likely organisms to cause an abdominal infection? | Gram positive / negative anaerobes - E.coli or Klebsiella |
What are the likely organisms to cause a neutropenia infection? | Gram positive / negative organisms - Pseudomonas |
What are the indicators of infections? | Inflammatory markers - CRP and temperature Infection markers - WCC |
What kind of antibiotic cover should be given at first? | Both gram negative and positive 3rd gen cephalosporins e.g. cetriaxone macrolides e.g. clarithromycin |
What should be given for a neutropenia infection at first? | Broad spectrum penicillin (e.g. Piperacillin) which gives greater pseudomonas cover Aminoglycosides for gram negative |
What should be given for an acute abdomen infection? | Metronidazole |
What should should be given for staphylococci infections? | Flucloxacillin Rifampicin Vancomycin |
What should should be given for coliform infection? | Co-amoxiclav (pen sensitive) - Carbapenem (pen resistant) |
What should should be given for pseudomonas infection? | Ceftazidime (pen sensitive) |
What is the purpose of fluid resuscitation? | To help blood deliver O2 to tissue - restores circulating volume fluid volume and improves tissue perfusion |
What are the indicators for fluid resuscitation? | increased lactate decreased O2 saturation decreased urine output low blood pressure |
What is the treatment for fluid resuscitation? | 0.9% NaCl |
When is blood or plasma used for fluid resuscitation? | If Hb drops below 7g/L |
Why isn't creatinine a good marker of tissue perfusion? | Takes 3 days to show kidney injury |
What is lactate a marker of? | anaerobic respiration |
What should be done within 3 hours of a patient presenting with sepsis? | measure lactate obtain blood cultures broad spec antibiotic 30ml/kg crystalloid or >4mmol/L lactate |
What are the symptoms of septicaemia? | fever vomiting limb / joint / muscle pain cold hands and feet pale or mottled skin breathing fast rash sleepy confusion / delirium |