Sepsis Trivia Quiz

Answer: A whole body response to an infection

The body detects and fights infection through the immune system. The infection can be a result of a small cut, puncture wound or something as serious as pneumonia or a urinary tract infection. When your body is in a weakened condition you are vulnerable to certain types of infections. The body reacts very aggressively to protect and fend off the infection causesing a whole body inflammation. This reaction is referred to as being septic.

Answer: Anyone with an infection

Anyone can develop sepsis. It is specifically observed more in older people because they are more likely to develop respiratory problems such as pneumonia and urinary tract infections. People suffering from burns or wounds are also at risk for developing a septic response to the bacteria invading the injured tissue.

The body has an immune system which sends out white blood cells and T and B lymphocytes to destroy the germs causing tissue swelling. These cells fight the infection and try to keep it from infecting more areas.

The body may overreact causing a whole body response called sepsis.

Answer: Respiratory infections

Pneumonia affects infants, children and the elderly more frequently than the middle-aged person. Sepsis may also originate from infections in the urinary tract, abdomen, kidney and bloodstream. Bacteria may also enter a cut, scrape, burn or bug bite causing cellulitis. Cellulitis is an infection that affects the skin and surrounding tissues.

Answer: Seek medical treatment immediately

Immediately call an ambulance if sepsis is suspected. The initial stage can progress to septic shock very quickly, so seek treatment immediately. Sepsis is initially treated with IV antibiotics within an hour of being diagnosed with the condition. If the body responds to the IV antibiotics, they are replaced with oral antibiotics and the IV antibiotics discontinued.

Answer: Fever and tachycardia

At least two inflammatory responses must be present before it is determined that someone is septic. The first symptoms of sepsis include a rapid heart rate above 90 beats per minute; an infection already identified and a fever of 101F or greater. The inflammation can continue to increase in response to the infection advancing into the second stage called severe sepsis.

This second stage may also include breathing difficulty, severe abdominal pain, decreased urinary output, irregular heart rate, low platelet count and change in mental status.

The next and most critical stage is septic shock. This will include the symptoms of severe sepsis but also an extreme drop in blood pressure and organ failure. Fifty percent of all patients that experience this stage die.

Answer: Antibiotics

Treatment at the early stages of sepsis may be limited to antibiotics, but it is extremely important that you immediately seek medical treatment if sepsis is suspected. The sooner treatment occurs the less likely it is that it will advance into the advanced stages of severe sepsis and septic shock.

Answer: Complete blood count (CBC)

A blood test is given to evaluate the seriousness of the infection. A complete blood count measures the white blood cells (WBC) or leukocyte count. An elevated WBC indicates an infection or inflammation in the body. An electrocardiogram (EKG) measures the heart's electrical activity. An arterial blood gas (ABG) measures the amount of arterial gases such as oxygen and carbon dioxide in the blood from an artery. An ABG is ordered when breathing is affected. An electrolyte panel is a blood test that measures the sodium, potassium, chloride and bicarbonate in the blood. Electrolytes are important for the normal function of cells and organs.

Answer: Intensive Care Unit (ICU)

Treatment for severe sepsis and septic shock is carried out in the Intensive Care Unit. Frequent and large amounts of intravenous fluids (IVF) will be given to prevent dehydration and increase blood pressure. Strong IV antibiotics, along with vasopressure medications (to increase blood flow), will also be administered. Blood products may also need to be infused. Round the clock monitoring is needed for aggressive treatment for prevention of organ failure.

Answer: (ABG) arterial blood gas

Usually patients with severe sepsis and septic shock develop respiratory distress and require assistance in breathing. The patient is then sedated, intubated and placed on a ventilator. This allows the patient to rest more comfortably and decreases the metabolic demands of breathing to aid in the treatment and healing process.

Answer: Vaccinations

By getting vaccinated against influenza, pneumonia and and other infections we can reduce the risk of developing sepsis. Vaccines stimulate our immune systems into producing antibodies to fight viruses, although not all infections can be guarded against.

The excess of antibiotics in outpatient care over the past several years has lead to a drastic increase in antibiotic-resistant bacteria. This applies to bacteria on the skin such as methicillin resistant staphylococcus aureus (MRSA).