Skip to content
View in the app

A better way to browse. Learn more.

allnurses

A full-screen app on your home screen with push notifications, badges and more.

To install this app on iOS and iPadOS
  1. Tap the Share icon in Safari
  2. Scroll the menu and tap Add to Home Screen.
  3. Tap Add in the top-right corner.
To install this app on Android
  1. Tap the 3-dot menu (⋮) in the top-right corner of the browser.
  2. Tap Add to Home screen or Install app.
  3. Confirm by tapping Install.
Discussion

SEPSIS QUESTION.....

Hi all.

I had a pt today who came in for hyperkalemia, AMS, and UTI. She has a past hx of a. fib, CVA with ride sided weakness, pulm edema (and others that I can't remember).

Anyways, her lactic acid for the day turned out to be 3.5 with WBC at around 37. However, her temperature remained normal.

I know that sepsis requires a droplet precaution... but what type of sepsis usually requires this precaution?

Thanks for any response!

Featured Replies

Sepsis does not require droplet precautions. Here's some info for you to review:

Sepsis - PubMed Health

If the patient's underlying infection is determined to be or suspected to be caused by an organism requiring droplet precautions ... then that intervention is appropriate.

she may not be contagious. Cultures, etc will have to determine whether or not she is contagious and THEN you initiate isolation.

As the last poster said, sepsis doesn't require droplet precautions unless the underlying cause of the sepsis requires it. Also, septic pts don't necessarily present with fever, sometimes they can also have a drop in their temperature.

BeLLaRN

Sometimes, especially in the elderly, they can have "cold sepsis" where their temp is actually lower. Often to the point wear the bear hugger is needed. No fever is required. Like the other posters said above the dx of sepsis doesn't in itself require isolation unless the underlying cause is an infection that requires it.

FYI: Bair Hugger is a trade name for a warming gadget made by the Bair Company. Bair Hugger® Therapy

Most often used in the OR, where it's cold and patients are getting anesthesia agents that make it difficult or impossible for them to upregulate their own temperatures.

Join the conversation

You can post now and register later. If you have an account, sign in now to post with your account.

Guest
Add a Comment

Currently Reading 0

  • No registered users viewing this page.

Account

Navigation

Search

Search

Configure browser push notifications

Chrome (Android)
  1. Tap the lock icon next to the address bar.
  2. Tap Permissions → Notifications.
  3. Adjust your preference.
Chrome (Desktop)
  1. Click the padlock icon in the address bar.
  2. Select Site settings.
  3. Find Notifications and adjust your preference.