Bacteria enter the bloodstream through damaged tissues.
Cellular change in neutrophils making them live longer.
Mast cells detect antigens and trigger an immune response. Secrete factors that mediate vasodilation and vascular constriction.
Invading pathogen stimulates release of cytokines by macrophages. Cytokines stimulate movement of cells towards the site of infection.
Blood vessels become leaky allowing white blood cells to enter the tissues.
Blood vessels dilate due to inflammatory response. Capillaries leak blood and fluid. Risk of low blood pressure.
Platelets release blood-clotting proteins at the wound site. Can't keep up with the breakage of blood vessels, causing blood to spill into the tissues.
Causes fluid build up in tissues. Excess fluid makes it harder for oxygen to get through.
Inadequate tissue perfusion leads to cellular hypoxia and lactic acidosis.
Temperature increases in response to infection. Pyrogens influence hypothalamus to increase metabolic reactions.
Due to blood clotting, blood is unable to get to organs, causing them to stop functioning due to lack of oxygen.
Neutrophils and macrophages remove pathogens through phagocytosis.
Blood vessels are damaged so oxygen is not absorbed properly, causing acute respiratory distress.
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What are the Symptoms of Sepsis?
Tachycardia - Heart rate increases in response to reduced circulation volume, fever and chemical inflammatory mediators (e.g. histamine).
Tachypnoea - Respiratory rate increases to compensate for metabolic acidosis. The brainstem is stimulated to cause lungs to expel CO2.
Fever - Body temperature raises in response to the presence of infection. Pyrogens influence the hypothalamus to increase metabolic reactions.
Cyanosis - Caused by reduced blood flow to the pulmonary system, reducing adequate gaseous exchange.
Mottled Skin/Cool Peripheries - Caused by reduced blood flow to the skin and peripheries. Secondary to hypotension and abnormal regulation of blood flow.
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What are the Treatments for Sepsis?
IV Fluids - to restore circulation volume.
IV Antibiotics - to eradicate the infection.
Oxygen - to reduce work of breathing and improve oxygen saturations.
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