Sepsis Symptoms in Nursing Home Abuse Cases

Our experienced nursing home abuse lawyers often see cases where abused or neglected elderly patients suffer from sepsis. Sepsis symptoms vary depending on whether they are early symptoms or part of a post-sepsis syndrome and can include fever, confusion, fatigue, nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, rapid heart rate, low blood pressure, and difficulty breathing. Additional symptoms can include a high heart rate or weak pulse, disorientation, extreme pain or discomfort, fever, shivering, feeling very cold, and clammy skin.

Sepsis Symptoms in Nursing Homes

Sepsis is caused by viral, fungal, or bacterial infections and is common in the elderly. Blood tests are used to identify the type of infection. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), sepsis happens when infections the patient already has trigger a chain reaction throughout the body. They most often start as respiratory infections, urinary tract infections, or infections in the gastrointestinal tract or skin.

Each year, 1.7 million U.S. adults develop sepsis, with 350,000 dying or entering hospice care. Without quick treatment, sepsis can cause organ failure, tissue damage, and death.

Blood poisoning is an old term for sepsis. Septicemia (or sepsis) occurs when bacteria enter the bloodstream, leading to blood poisoning and triggering sepsis.

Sepsis is a serious concern in nursing homes and can be life-threatening. Prompt treatment is critical to reduce the risk of complications and lasting damage.

Is Sepsis Contagious?

No, sepsis is not contagious. Sepsis is an infection that occurs when bacteria, viruses, or fungi enter the bloodstream and cause a systemic inflammatory response. According to the CDC, though sepsis itself cannot be spread, the underlying infections may be transmissible to other people.

What Are the 3 Stages of Sepsis?

Sepsis progresses through three stages: sepsis, severe sepsis, and septic shock. This serious condition is the body’s extreme response to an infection and can quickly become life-threatening, especially in elderly nursing home residents. It may also point to nursing home neglect.

Knowing the risk factors and the three stages of sepsis can help family members and caregivers recognize the signs early on and seek immediate medical attention.

Sepsis

Systemic inflammatory response syndrome (SIRS) occurs when the body overreacts to a harmful stressor. If the stressor is an infection, it’s called sepsis. Early symptoms of sepsis may include fever, blood pressure drops, a fast heart rate, and trouble breathing.

Severe Sepsis

The second stage is called severe sepsis. If the infection is not addressed in time, it can spread to other parts of the body and cause organ failure. Common warning signs of severe sepsis in the elderly include extreme fatigue, nausea, vomiting, and abdominal pain.

Septic Shock

The third stage of sepsis is called septic shock and is the most severe stage. This is a life-threatening medical emergency in which the patient’s vital organs can suddenly stop functioning properly due to low blood pressure. At this point, they may experience septic shock symptoms from lack of blood flow, such as a significant drop off in mental awareness, rapid heart rate, and difficulty breathing.

Get Help Immediately

Seek immediate medical attention for sepsis or septic shock. The Kryder Law Group, LLC Accident and Injury Lawyers, can assist with cases of suspected nursing home abuse or negligence.

Who Is Most at Risk for Developing Sepsis?

Sepsis is more common in people over 65 years of age, those who have compromised immune systems, people with recent severe illnesses, and children younger than one year of age (neonatal sepsis). Other high-risk groups include patients with chronic medical conditions like diabetes, lung disease, kidney disease, and cancer.

How Can Sepsis Be Prevented?

The best ways to prevent sepsis are through good hygiene and preventive care. This includes washing the hands regularly, avoiding contact with anyone who is sick, and getting vaccinations as recommended by the doctor. It is also important to keep any existing or chronic health conditions under control through regular check-ups and treatments. Recognizing the signs of sepsis, early diagnosis, and medical intervention can help reduce the increased risk of complications and long-term damage.

What Are the Major Causes of Sepsis?

The major causes of sepsis are bacterial and viral infections, including pneumonia, urinary tract infections, and skin or wound infections. These can occur when bacteria enter the body through broken skin or an invasive medical procedure. Certain fungi can also lead to sepsis if they enter the bloodstream.

What Are the Long-Term Effects of Sepsis?

If left untreated, sepsis can cause severe health problems like tissue damage, organ failure, septic shock, and even death. Long-term effects may include permanent organ dysfunction, fatigue, weakness, memory and concentration issues, and depression.

What Is the Treatment for Sepsis?

Sepsis treatment focuses on addressing the infection, providing fluids and oxygen to support organ function, and using antibiotics or other medications to fight the infection. In severe cases, surgery may be needed to remove infected tissue or drain an abscess.

Why Are Nursing Home Residents Susceptible to Sepsis?

Nursing home residents are more vulnerable to severe sepsis due to weakened immune systems, poor hygiene, and limited access to medical care. The presence of multiple patients with chronic infectious diseases further increases the risk of viral, bacterial, or fungal infections.

Nursing Homes and Sepsis Prevention

Nursing homes need to prevent and treat sepsis by:

• Closely monitoring residents
• Maintaining good hygiene
• Providing prompt medical care

Staff should be trained to recognize early signs of infection and follow proper treatment protocols.

What Should Nursing Home Visitors Do to Prevent Sepsis?

Visitors to nursing homes can help prevent infections by washing their hands before and after visits, staying home when sick (even with a cold), avoiding contact with sick individuals, and limiting physical contact with residents with weakened immune systems. Also, watch for changes in your loved one’s condition to ensure quick medical attention if sepsis develops.

How Dangerous Is Sepsis?

The National Institutes of Health (NIH) reports that nursing home residents with severe sepsis are more likely to be admitted to the intensive care unit compared to those with sepsis who don’t live in nursing homes. The ICU admission rate is 40% for nursing home residents versus 21% for others, with mortality rates at 37% compared to 15% (source: National Institutes of Health).

What Should I Do If My Loved One Gets Sepsis in a Nursing Home?

If your loved one is experiencing sepsis in a nursing home, it’s crucial to seek immediate medical care to prevent it from worsening. Also, report any signs of neglect or abuse you notice and call The Kryder Law Group, LLC Accident and Injury Lawyers, for a free case evaluation.