What it means
An infection sets off a reaction in the whole body that harms organs such as the kidneys, lungs and brain. Signs include fever or a low temperature, a fast heart and breathing rate, low blood pressure, confusion and low urine output. When blood pressure stays low despite fluids, it is septic shock. A high blood lactate level is one of the lab signs.
For the nurse
Sepsis care is time-critical: the first-hour bundle includes a lactate level, blood cultures before antibiotics, broad-spectrum antibiotics and IV fluids. Report early warning signs, such as new confusion, a rising breathing rate or falling blood pressure, at once.
In a chart
"Temp 39.1 °C, HR 122, BP 86/50, new confusion; sepsis bundle started."
At a glance
| Spanish | sepsis |
|---|---|
| Also written | septic, septicemia |
Related terms
hypotension
Blood pressure lower than normal, generally below 90/60 mm Hg in an adult.
bacterium
A tiny one-celled living thing, seen only under a microscope, of which some kinds cause disease; the plural is bacteria.
infectious disease
An illness caused by a germ such as a bacterium, virus, fungus or parasite.
pathogen
A germ, such as a bacterium, virus, fungus or parasite, that can cause disease.