Stages of Sepsis and SIRS
Welcome back to my series addressing sepsis and why it is important to your cases. Feel free to email me with any questions you may have regarding the information I have provided so far or if you have questions regarding a case you are reviewing with one of these issues.
Today we are reviewing:
- What is sepsis and SIRS?
In our last post, we covered that nursing should be assessing every resident or patient for infection on a daily basis, shift by shift. We know that early detection of symptoms is the key for early treatment of any potential infection identified and that if left untreated can start a cascade of systemic issues.
There are actually FOUR stages of sepsis:
- Stage one: Systemic Inflammatory Response Syndrome (SIRS)
- Stage two: When infection is present >>starts Sepsis
- Stage three: Severe sepsis
- Stage four: Septic shock
Key facts:
- Because there are no specific tests to diagnose sepsis, it is imperative that nurses do daily assessment for infection
- SIRS is not a specific disease but rather a collection of symptoms resulting from an infection.
- Sepsis is a medical emergency requiring immediate treatment to reduce resident/patient morbidity and mortality.
- If left untreated, Sepsis progresses to Septic Shock.
Systemic Inflammatory Response Syndrome (SIRS) signs include temperature, heart rate, respiratory rate, white blood cell count. Sepsis evolves over time with worsening characteristics as the resident/patient continues to decline and decompensate.
- For Sepsis, two of the SIRS signs, as well as an infection, need to be present.
- Sepsis with one or more end-organs in failure is called Severe sepsis.
- When low blood pressure cannot be improved and continues as hypotensive despite intravascular (IV) volume repletion is called Septic shock.
Keep a lookout in your inbox over the next couple of weeks for my emails which will talk about the different areas most noted for sepsis development. I think you’ll find them educational and informative, and ultimately helpful in your cases involving sepsis and death.
Paige Legal Nurse Consulting is a certified Legal Nurse Consulting firm with experienced acute care and nursing home nurses that are qualified to review cases involving infection and sepsis. Call 508-292-2372 or schedule your case development review online with us today!
Christie Paige MSN RN-BC LNC
Christie Paige is a Registered Nurse with over thirty years of experience. She brings her vast and extensive knowledge of clinical practice into the medical-legal arena as a Certified Legal Nurse Consultant. Mrs. Paige is the owner and senior nurse consultant of Paige Legal Nurse Consultants which specializes in Nursing Home cases focused on Sepsis, falls, pressure sore injuries and elder care medical malpractice.