Sepsis

Sepsis/Septicemia:

It’s a medical emergency caused by the body's response to an infection and can be life-threatening. It involves the consequence of widespread swelling (inflammation) in the body.

Inflammation and blood clotting during sepsis can cause decreased blood flow to the limbs, vital organs, and can lead to organ failure and also death.

Sepsis Causes:

Bacterial infections are the most common cause of sepsis. Sepsis can also be caused by fungi, parasitic, or viral infections. The source of the infection can be any of a number of places throughout the body, like

Lungs: Pneumonia

Abdomen: Appendicitis, gastric and intestinal infections, peritonitis and gallbladder and lever infections.

Skin: Wounds, cuts, IV sites, catheter insertion sites. Cellulitis also can cause sepsis.

GU: Infections of the Urinary tract like urethra, urinary bladder and kidney

Signs and Symptoms:

·         Weakness

·         Fever and chills

·         Rapid breathing  (Tachypnea)

·         Rapid heart rate  (Tachycardia)

·         Low blood pressure (Hypotension)

·         Low body temperature (Hypothermia)

Treatment:

          IV Antibiotics

          IV Fluids

          Ventilation, if O2 levels are low

                                                                             ……how to code Sepsis

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