Sepsis Prework
Answer the following questions:
1. Characterize the difference between SIRS and Sepsis.
SIRS is a nonspecific response to various triggers such as trauma, burns, or
infections. It is defined by two or more changes from the patient’s baseline values, such
as: temperature, heart rate, respiratory rate, or white blood cell count.
Sepsis is a systemic response specifically to an infection. The signs of sepsis
include the same as SIRS as well as suspected or confirmed infection.
2. Once shock begins, it progresses through several stages, if untreated/unresolved.
BRIEFLY describe each stage:
Compensatory stage:
In this stage, the body activates neural, hormonal, and biochemical mechanisms
to maintain the body’s homeostasis. The sympathetic nervous system stimulates
vasoconstriction and the release of epinephrine and norepinephrine. The patient’s
blood flow is redirected to vital organs, and heart rate and contractility is increased.
Progressive stage:
This stage begins when the compensatory mechanisms begin to fail and changes
in mental status begin to occur. Cardiac output decreases, leading to decreased blood
pressure and organ perfusion. Further decrease in tissue perfusion occurs and systemic
interstitial edema develops.
Irreversible Stage:
In this stage, severe cellular and organ damage occurs, multiple organ failure
develops, and extensive cellular death and tissue necrosis is seen. Death is imminent
without immediate, aggressive intervention.
3. What kind of physiologic disturbances will be caused by the inflammatory processes in
sepsis?
Cardiovascular dysfunctions such as: myocardial depression, massive
vasodilation, decreased systemic vascular resistance, and hypotension.
Respiratory failure: increased pulmonary vascular permeability, alveolar edema,
ARDS, and ventilation-perfusion mismatch.
Coagulation abnormalities such as: increased coagulation activity, decreased
fibrinolysis, formation of microthrombi, and risk of disseminated intravascular
coagulation.
Endothelial damage such as: increased capillary permeability, fluid shift from
intravascular to interstitial space, and tissue edema.
Metabolic derangements such as: hypermetabolism, rapid glycogen depletion,
increased gluconeogenesis, and lactic acidosis.
This study source was downloaded by 100000901307859 from CourseHero.com on 10-21-2025 07:19:47 GMT -05:00
https://www.coursehero.com/file/252172659/Sepsis-Preworkdocx/
Answer the following questions:
1. Characterize the difference between SIRS and Sepsis.
SIRS is a nonspecific response to various triggers such as trauma, burns, or
infections. It is defined by two or more changes from the patient’s baseline values, such
as: temperature, heart rate, respiratory rate, or white blood cell count.
Sepsis is a systemic response specifically to an infection. The signs of sepsis
include the same as SIRS as well as suspected or confirmed infection.
2. Once shock begins, it progresses through several stages, if untreated/unresolved.
BRIEFLY describe each stage:
Compensatory stage:
In this stage, the body activates neural, hormonal, and biochemical mechanisms
to maintain the body’s homeostasis. The sympathetic nervous system stimulates
vasoconstriction and the release of epinephrine and norepinephrine. The patient’s
blood flow is redirected to vital organs, and heart rate and contractility is increased.
Progressive stage:
This stage begins when the compensatory mechanisms begin to fail and changes
in mental status begin to occur. Cardiac output decreases, leading to decreased blood
pressure and organ perfusion. Further decrease in tissue perfusion occurs and systemic
interstitial edema develops.
Irreversible Stage:
In this stage, severe cellular and organ damage occurs, multiple organ failure
develops, and extensive cellular death and tissue necrosis is seen. Death is imminent
without immediate, aggressive intervention.
3. What kind of physiologic disturbances will be caused by the inflammatory processes in
sepsis?
Cardiovascular dysfunctions such as: myocardial depression, massive
vasodilation, decreased systemic vascular resistance, and hypotension.
Respiratory failure: increased pulmonary vascular permeability, alveolar edema,
ARDS, and ventilation-perfusion mismatch.
Coagulation abnormalities such as: increased coagulation activity, decreased
fibrinolysis, formation of microthrombi, and risk of disseminated intravascular
coagulation.
Endothelial damage such as: increased capillary permeability, fluid shift from
intravascular to interstitial space, and tissue edema.
Metabolic derangements such as: hypermetabolism, rapid glycogen depletion,
increased gluconeogenesis, and lactic acidosis.
This study source was downloaded by 100000901307859 from CourseHero.com on 10-21-2025 07:19:47 GMT -05:00
https://www.coursehero.com/file/252172659/Sepsis-Preworkdocx/
