Sepsis is the systemic inflammatory response to an infection. When sepsis involves one of the major organs it is known as severe sepsis. It is noted that over the last 30 years the mortality rate of severe sepsis has dropped by 80%. The drop in mortality is due to the advancement of healthcare by having means to help treat organ failure, the increase in training and the guidelines utilized to help identify severe sepsis more quickly.
If the diagnosis and treatment of sepsis happens within the first hour the survival rate can be as high as 80%. This is known as the ‘golden-hour.’ After six hours, the survival rate drops to 30%. If we are able to diagnose sepsis early on and start treatment right away, we could help reduce the number of people dying from sepsis. The golden-hour is an algorithm used by clinicians who treat patients who are suspected of having sepsis.
The suspected diagnosis of sepsis is considered a medical emergency. Within the first hour, a lactic acid and blood cultures should be completed. After the blood cultures a broad spectrum antibiotic should be prescribed and given. Fluids should also be started at 30 ml/kg if hypotension or a lactic acid of greater than 4. If the fluids do not resolve the hypotension, vasopressors can be started.
“If we all work together and help patients and healthcare providers recognize the signs and symptoms of sepsis; the sooner the individual will get to the emergency room to be diagnosed and treated for sepsis and the mortality rate will decrease. Great Plains QIN has created several tools and resources for those living at home and also those in skilled nursing facilities to help identify the signs and symptoms of sepsis. The new STOP and TELL tool is a non-clinical tool anyone can review and identify if your loved one is having any symptoms. Action can then be taken and lives can be saved,” shared Stephanie Meduna, RN, BSN; Quality Improvement Advisor with Great Plains QIN.
Source:
Surviving Sepsis in the Golden First Hour
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TIME is Sepsis, Have You Heard: Sepsis is a medical emergency as important to understand as stroke and heart attack. Learn the symptoms and what you should say to your healthcare provider when you suspect sepsis.