Sepsis

1. Big picture

Sepsis is not simply “infection in the blood.” It is infection + life-threatening organ dysfunction caused by a dysregulated host response. The exam usually tests three core ideas:

1. Recognize early: infection + organ dysfunction, shock, altered consciousness, oliguria, hypoxia, high lactate.
2. Treat immediately: airway, breathing, circulation, cultures if no delay, broad-spectrum antibiotics, fluids, vasopressors.
3. Find and control the source: antibiotics alone may fail if there is an abscess, infected catheter, obstructed urinary tract, perforation, necrotic tissue, or infected prosthesis.

Sepsis and septic shock are medical emergencies, and cur