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Sepsis

Chicago Nursing Home Sepsis Lawyer

Sepsis results from the combination of a virulent infection and the body's response to the infection. Sepsis can be classified as a syndrome or Systemic Inflammatory Response Syndrome or SIRS. It is a systemic or whole body inflammatory response to infection. As a Chicago nursing home neglect lawyer, I understand that some of the symptoms associated with sepsis can be fever or hypothermia, increased heart rate or tachycardia, rapid breathing or tachypnea, and evidence of decreased or insufficient blood flow vital internal organs. It can occur in blood, urine, lungs and skin. It is also commonly referred to as blood poisoning. Sepsis is a common cause of death in critically ill patients. Almost half of the patients diagnosed with sepsis die.

Whether an organism causes an infection depends upon multiple factors. One of the most important factors is the susceptibility of a person. That is, does the person have underlying conditions that make them at a greater risk for infection? Some susceptibility factors are stress, nutritional status, fatigue, sex, genetics, age and concomitant medical treatment.

Age is a major factor in the relation to susceptibility to infections. The immune system becomes less effective with age, therefore the elderly person, more readily acquires infections. A knowledgeable Chicago nursing home abuse attorney understands that preventing infection in the elderly is the key to preventing sepsis from developing. There are many practices that can be carried out to prevent infection. They can be placed into two major groups. Those which strengthen the body's barriers against infection and those clean practices which minimize the number of microorganisms and decrease the chance of developing an infection.

Signs of Systemic Infection

  1. Fever
  2. Malaise
  3. Anorexia and nausea
  4. Headache
  5. Lymph node enlargement and tenderness

Signs of Localized Infection

  1. Swelling
  2. Redness
  3. Pain or tenderness
  4. Heat at the infected area
  5. Loss of function of the involved body part

The number of patients diagnosed with sepsis has increased significantly over the last 25 years. Health care experts have suggested that this is due to multiple factors:

  • The aging of the population
  • Increased number of individuals living with immune suppressing illnesses
  • Increased use of invasive or indwelling devices on healthcare. These devices can be a portal for infection

There are some simple actions that the Nursing Home staff can take to prevent elderly and depilated patients from acquiring infections:

Strengthening the Body's Barrier or Defense Against Infection

  1. Immunizations
  2. Proper and adequate nutrition
  3. Adequate rest and sleep
  4. Normal stress level

Minimizing the Number of Bacteria and Microorganisms

  1. Hand washing
  2. Perineal care
  3. Bathing
  4. Oral care and nail care

Whether an organism causes an infection depends upon multiple factors. One of the most important factors is the susceptibility of a person. That is does the person have underlying conditions that make them at a greater risk for infection. Some susceptibility factors are stress, nutritional status, fatigue, sex, genetics, age and concomitant medical treatment. Age is a major factor in the relation to susceptibility to infections. The immune system becomes less effective with age, therefore the elderly person, more readily acquires infections.

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If you or someone you love has sustained injuries or loss from a Chicago nursing home neglect injury, contact Nemeroff Law Offices today. Our experienced Illinois nursing home abuse lawyers are available to speak with you directly.

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