Sepsis and Septic Shock Quiz

Study Notes

Sepsis Definition and Recognition

Sepsis is a life-threatening organ dysfunction caused by a dysregulated host response to infection.
The criteria used to recognize sepsis include:
Respiratory rate > 22 breaths/min
White blood cell count > 12,000 cells/μL or < 4,000 cells/μL
Serum lactate level > 2 mmol/L
Blood pressure < 100 mmHg
Urine output < 0.5 mL/kg/h
Temperature > 38°C or < 36°C
Heart rate > 90 beats/min

Anatomical Sources of Sepsis

The three most common anatomical sources of sepsis are:
Lungs (pneumonia)
Abdomen (peritonitis, pancreatitis, cholecystitis)
Urinary tract (pyelonephritis)

Septic Shock

Septic shock is a subset of sepsis characterized by:
Hypotension (systolic blood pressure < 65 mmHg) that requires vasopressors to maintain
Lactate level > 2 mmol/L
Septic shock is diagnosed when there is a need for vasopressors to maintain a mean arterial pressure ≥ 65 mmHg.

Sepsis Bundle

The 'sepsis bundle' includes parameters such as:
Blood cultures before antibiotics
Broad-spectrum antibiotics within 1 hour
Fluid resuscitation with 30 mL/kg of crystalloids
Vasopressors to maintain mean arterial pressure ≥ 65 mmHg
Lactate measurement
Urine output and cardiovascular monitoring

Pathophysiology of DIC

Disseminated intravascular coagulation (DIC) in sepsis is characterized by:
Activation of coagulation cascade
Thrombin generation
Formation of microthrombi
Consumption of coagulation factors
Fibrinolysis inhibition

Treatment of Sepsis

Norepinephrine is commonly used in septic shock to improve hemodynamics.
Adjunctive pharmacotherapeutic agents in sepsis treatment aim to:
Modulate the immune response
Improve cardiovascular function
Enhance antimicrobial activity

Description

Test your knowledge on sepsis and septic shock with this quiz. Learn about the definition, criteria, anatomical sources, complications, and pathophysiology of sepsis. Understand the changes in hemodynamics and parameters involved in sepsis-induced shock.