Sepsis

1. Big picture

Sepsis is not simply “infection in the blood.” It is infection + life-threatening organ dysfunction caused by a dysregulated host response. The exam usually tests three core ideas:

1. Recognize early: infection + organ dysfunction, shock, altered consciousness, oliguria, hypoxia, high lactate.
2. Treat immediately: airway, breathing, circulation, cultures if no delay, broad-spectrum antibiotics, fluids, vasopressors.
3. Find and control the source: antibiotics alone may fail if there is an abscess, infected catheter, obstructed urinary tract, perforation, necrotic tissue, or infected prosthesis.

Sepsis and septic shock are medical emergencies, and current Surviving Sepsis Campaign guidance states that treatment and resuscitation should begin immediately. ([Society of Critical Care Medicine (SCCM)][1])

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