Is sepsis in a nursing home normal or should I be concerned?

Answer:

Sepsis is an immune reaction to a bacterial infection of the blood stream that, if untreated, can become fatal.  The elderly are especially vulnerable to sepsis, particularly those who have pre-existing medical conditions or weakened immune systems. Because sepsis is such a risk for the elderly, Texas nursing homes must take proper precautions to protect their residents from the dangerous infection.
Patients who are bed ridden, have diabetes, or have compromised immune systems are especially vulnerable to sepsis. So, extra care must be taken to protect hygiene, prevent pressure sores, keep wounds covered and clean, and to make sure that intravenous lines and catheters are properly maintained. Any wound that is neglected can become infected, and any infection can develop into sepsis.
Symptoms of sepsis:

• Fever
• Chills
• Irregular body temperature
• Skin rash
• Shaking
• Nausea
• Vomiting
• Aches and pains
• Confusion
• Difficulty breathing
• Seizures
• Rapid heart rate
• Drop in blood pressure
• Respiratory failure
• Loss of organ function
• Septic shock

Sepsis must be treated with antibiotics. Most patients will require hospital care. Patients with severe sepsis may require surgery to drain the infection.
Sepsis can be the result of Texas nursing home neglect or abuse. If you suspect that neglect or abuse is responsible for your grandmother’s sepsis, we urge you to contact a Dallas nursing home abuse lawyer. Your grandmother may have a nursing home abuse case. For more information about how to identify Texas nursing home neglect, request a free copy of attorney Jeff Rasansky’s book, Warning Signs of Nursing Home Neglect and Abuse or contact the Rasansky Law Firm at (214) 651-6100.