sepsis

[sofaking hot]

Can someone explain the pathophysiology of sepsis to me

I work as a tech at the hospital and hear the term alot.

[Daytonite, BSN, RN]

sepsis is an infection that has gotten into the blood stream. an infection begins locally with a histamine response caused by any invading microbe. https://allnurses.com/forums/f50/histamine-effect-244836.html the inflammatory response attempts to keep a microbial invasion contained locally. sometimes, because of the vascular permeability created by the inflammatory response, the poor immunity of the patient or the sheer agressiveness of the microbe, the invading microbes are able to escape into the blood stream and this is the actual start of sepsis. once these microbes (they could be bacteria, virus, yeast or another type of bug such as a worm or parasite) enter the blood stream they release endotoxins and the symptoms of sepsis are produced. what makes it so serious is that the blood stream becomes a transit system for the microbes to hitch a ride to new sites to invade and infect.

[queenjean]

I'd like to just add that in severe sepsis, the pt experiences vasodilation. The pt's blood pressure tanks, the organs are hypoperfused, the kidneys stop producing urine, and this is about the time I would be calling the doc to get the pt transported to ICU.

Things that you as the nurse would watch carefully for--

Low blood pressure

Decreasing MAP

Low urine output

Increased need for oxygen

Confusion

Additionally, particularly if the offending organism is gram negative, you will see the pt initially appearing flushed and hot. Their skin will be warm to the touch, they may be sweaty, and their cheeks will be rosy. Later, as their symptoms progress, they become pale, cool, clammy, and have a sort of mottled look about them.

Hope that helps.