Sepsis is our number one quality priority: Day 29 of our campaign

November 29, 2018

Message on behalf of Isabelle Zuchelkowski, Acute Medicine Doctor

The sepsis we see has almost always been screened and identified in ED – our job then becomes management. It is crucial that we chase results of investigations, dig into the patient’s history, and tailor the treatment appropriately.

Beyond the obvious:

• Take another blood culture sample – the more the better
• Review regular medications: continue, alter or pause as appropriate
• Don’t forget that paracetamol can mask fevers
• Look at recent microbiology culture & sensitivity results
• Question the nature of any allergies – mild allergy doesn’t necessarily prohibit future use
• Think: Do any of the investigation results suggest something other than infection?