Septic Shock vs Sepsis Question
A client with diabetes and an infected heel ulcer is transferred to the intensive care unit because of deteriorating condition. Based on the admission assessment, what does the nurse identify as the most likely condition? Click the exhibit button for additional information.
- Multiple organ dysfunction syndrome (MODS)
- Sepsis
- Septic shock
- Systemic inflammatory response syndrome (SIRS)
Septic Shock vs Sepsis Correct Answer
3-Septic shock
Septic Shock vs Sepsis Expalnation
The presence of infection with a gram-positive wound culture increases the risk for developing sepsis and septic shock. Sepsis-induced hypotension despite adequate fluid resuscitation (30 mL/kg) is defined as “septic shock.” Hypotension and inadequate tissue perfusion (ie, elevated serum lactate level) despite fluid resuscitation and decreased central venous pressure (ie, decreased circulating volume) and pulmonary artery wedge pressure (ie, decreased preload) indicate the presence of septic shock in this client. Based on the alterations in hemodynamic parameters, septic shock is the most likely condition in this client.
(Option 1) MODS is the failure of 2 or more body organs (eg, acute kidney injury, acute respiratory distress syndrome). Septic shock can progress to multiorgan dysfunction (ie, severe end of sepsis and septic shock). However, the assessment data do not indicate that it is the most likely condition at this time.
(Option 2) Sepsis is a systemic inflammatory response (ie, increased heart rate, respirations, temperature, and decreased systolic blood pressure) to a documented or suspected infection and is present in this client. However, it is not the most likely condition because the assessment data support progression along the sepsis continuum to septic shock.
(Option 4) SIRS is a generalized inflammatory response to an infectious or noninfectious insult to the body. It is often difficult to distinguish from early sepsis. When SIRS is suspected, a source for sepsis should be sought.
Septic Shock vs Sepsis Educational objective:
SIRS → Generalized inflammatory response to an infectious or noninfectious insult to the body
Sepsis → Presence (probable or documented) of infection along with systemic manifestations of infection
Septic shock → Sepsis-induced hypotension despite adequate fluid resuscitation (30 mL/kg)