http://www.gloshospitals.org.uk/ ... elines/Septicaemia/
Antibiotic Guideline for the Empirical Treatment of Sepsis
Sepsis is a systemic inflammatory response (SIRS) to infection and is considered present if there is a proven or highly suspected site of infection plus two or more of the following:
Heart rate > 90/min Temp < 36 or > 38.3 °C
Respiratory rate > 25/min WCC < 4 or >12
Severe sepsis is present if the above criteria are met plus there are signs of hypoperfusion or organ failures including low urine output, elevated urea or creatinine, abnormal LFTs, coagulation disturbance, hypoxia or ARDS, or a raised lactate 2mmol/L.
Septic shock is where hypotension persists despite adequate fluid challenge, or requires use of vasopressors or inotropes.
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The Sepsis Six
(This applies to Category C patients - Severe Life Threatening Infection)
The Sepsis Six represent a group of six simple tasks, which can be performed easily by non-specialist staff within the first hour of SEVERE sepsis developing. These tasks are the crucial first steps toward the completion of the Severe Sepsis Resuscitation Bundle. Their application requires no specialist training, yet the Sepsis Six can have a major impact on whether or not the patient survives:
Give 100% oxygen *
Take blood cultures
Give IV antibiotics
Start IV fluid resuscitation
Check haemoglobin and lactate
Place and monitor urinary catheter
*Use with caution in patients with COPD
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