Sepsis is a severe infection caused by bacteria that gets into the blood stream. If the infection is recognized and treated quickly, it rarely spreads and is usually curable. However, when an infection is left untreated it can increase in intensity and spread throughout the body to the point where the entire body is afflicted by a severe, systemic infection. Once the infection reaches this point, it is referred to as sepsis or septicemia and is life-threatening.
For nursing home residents sepsis is an all too common cause of death. Infections that would be curable if caught early often go unnoticed or ignored by overworked or poorly trained employees. Residents with easily treatable urinary tract infections often develop sepsis because nursing home employees don’t know the symptoms of infection, are too busy to even notice the symptoms or just don’t care. Similarly, residents with bed sores who have been lying in their own urine and feces for hours on end will oftentimes become septic when the bacteria from the urine and feces makes its way into the resident’s blood stream. Another common infection that can worsen into sepsis is pneumonia. Nursing homes will regularly fail to get additional treatment for residents when they are exhibiting signs of pneumonia simply because they have failed to identify the underlying illness.
What are the symptoms of sepsis?
Nursing homes should get residents medical treatment before a minor infection develops into sepsis. But, if the infection does worsen, individuals must exhibit two of the following symptoms before they can be diagnosed with sepsis:
- A heart rate more than 90 beats per minute
- A respiratory rate more than 20 breaths per minute
- A fever of at least 101.3 Fahrenheit or below 95 degrees Fahrenheit
- An underlying probable or confirmed infection (i.e. urinary tract infection)
If the resident exhibits at least one of the following additional signs and symptoms, their condition may be redefined as severe sepsis.
- Sudden change in mental status
- Difficulty breathing
- Abdominal pain
- Significant decrease in urine output
- Decrease in blood platelet count
- Abnormal heart pumping function
We can help if your loved one has suffered with sepsis in a nursing home
Our attorneys have been successful in resolving cases favorable to our clients and their families where nursing home residents have had infections go untreated and worsened into sepsis even though the nursing home had promised to provide residents with quality care and keep the residents safe. If a family member or loved one has suffered with sepsis or died as a result of a serious infection at a Maryland nursing home, contact Nursing Home Justice Associates at 1-410-825-ABUSE (2287) to learn more about your legal rights.
Nursing Home Justice…..It’s What We Do.
Other Injuries Suffered By Nursing Home Residents:
Bed Sores, Pressure Sores, Decubitus Ulcer
Burns
Choking
Clogged Breathing Tubes
Falls
Malnutrition & Dehydration
Medication Errors
Physical Abuse
Restraints & Bedrails
Sepsis/Infection
Sexual Abuse
Wandering & Elopement