Sepsis, which is a deadly bacterial infection, is a common result of pressure sores that are left untreated. Sepsis is the most common reason for nursing home patients to be transferred to hospitals and while there are no federal statistics on the number of pressure sores that lead to sepsis, it is estimated that over 25,000 nursing home patients die annually from septicemia in the United States.
Sepsis must be identified and treated as quickly as possible to provide the opportunity for the patient to recover as one in five cases of sepsis in Illinois nursing home patients is fatal.
Symptoms of Sepsis
If your loved one has a pressure sore, it is important to recognize the symptoms that the wound has become septic. These symptoms include:
- Anxiety
- Fever or low body temperature (hypothermia)
- Shaking
- Confusion
- Problems breathing
- Sleepy or groggy
- High heart rate
- Organ dysfunction
- Discomfort or extreme pain
In order for sepsis to be diagnosed two of the following must be present:
- Heart rate of 90 bpm or higher
- White blood cell count below 4000 cells/mm
- Hyperventilation of more than 20 breaths per minute
Prevention and Treatment of Sepsis
The best prevention of sepsis is to prevent pressure sores from occurring in the first place. Patients must be repositioned at least every two hours to ensure healthy blood flow and skin in the areas where pressure sores are most common should be investigated frequently. The patient’s skin should be kept clean and dry, their clothing should not be restrictive, and positioning aids and equipment should be utilized. Nutrition and hydration are also important and vitamin supplementation may be necessary.
Pressure sores can begin in a matter of hours, so it is important to have protocol in place to avoid pressure sores from developing. Once pressure sores have developed, it is then important to treat them quickly to avoid their progression. Stage 1 pressure sores have a much better prognosis and recovery compared to Stages 3 and 4, where sepsis often develops.
Treatment for sepsis requires hospitalization. Patients will require extensive IV antibiotics and pain control to prevent organ damage and failure, brain damage and dysfunction, amputations, and death.
Pressure sores are one of the first indicators of neglect in a nursing home. If you suspect your loved one is suffering abuse or neglect at a nursing home or personal care facility, it is important that you take action to ensure their safety. If you feel your loved one is in immediate danger, call the police and the Illinois Department of Public Health. It is also important to alert the attending physician and those in charge of the facility of your concerns and consider contacting an experienced personal injury lawyer to review your case. Persistence is important, especially when it comes to the health and well-being of your loved one.
If you believe a loved one has been abused or neglected at a long-term care facility, contact America’s Consumer Lawyer, for a free consultation. We are a Chicago injury law firm representing individuals and families who have suffered an injury or loss due to an accident. America’s Consumer Lawyer, will handle your personal injury case quickly, will advise you every step of the way, and will not hesitate to go to trial for you.
Lastly, America’s Consumer Lawyer, does not get paid attorney’s fees unless we win your case. Our no-fee promise is that simple. Therefore, you have nothing to risk when you hire us–just the opportunity to seek justice.
