Sharps Injury Policy
Last updated 14.03.2023
This policy sets out the care that our practice applies to the recognition, diagnosis and early management of sepsis.
Sepsis is a life-threatening condition triggered by an infection anywhere in the body. This could include a dental or throat infection.
Signs and Symptoms
If someone on antibiotics or who has a fever of flu-type symptom becomes very unwell, it is essential to consider whether it may be sepsis.
Signs & Symptoms in Adults May Include:
- Slurred speech or confusion
- Extreme shivering or muscle
- Not passing urine for a day
- Severe breathlessness
- Illness so bad they feel they might die
- Mottled or discoloured skin
Signs & Symptoms in Children May Include:
- Very fast breathing
- A fit or convulsion
- A mottled bluish or pale appearance
- A rash that does not fade when pressed
- Extreme lethargy/difficult to wake
- Abnormally cold to the touch
These signs and symptoms may indicate that a person has sepsis.
Action
If there is reason to suspect sepsis, reassure the patient but call 999 and request an ambulance immediately.
Further Guidance
More detailed information available sepsis recognition, diagnosis and early management published by National Institute of Clinical Excellence (NICE).
Guidance – Recommendations
Approved by: Kassandra Pantazi, Jakobus Krynauw
Date published: 25/10/2021