Pressure Sore Complications: Septic Shock

By Nursing Home Law Center

Septic shock, also referred to as severe sepsis, septicemic shock, endotoxic shock, warm shock or bacteremic shock, is a very serious medical condition that is indicative of the advanced form of sepsis. Most cases of septic shock can be traced to exposure to bacteria, virus or fungus that may enter the body through environmental exposure or through wounds (bed sores) or medical devices introduced to the body such as: catheters, intravenous lines (IV), PICC lines, drainage lines or inadequately sanitized surgical hardware.

In many cases involving septic shock, the underlying bacterial or fungal exposure results in colonization of the agent produces toxins may cause damage to organs, tissue and contribute to low blood pressure. The body’s natural defense mechanism to this exposure is an inflammatory reaction that may cause further damage to tissue and system function. Patients diagnosed with septic shock certainly face an uphill battle as the fatality rate is more than 50% over a one-year period following the diagnosis.

Connection Between the Development of Septic Shock & Bed Sores

Patients with advanced bed sores (also referred to as: pressure sores, pressure ulcers or decubitus ulcers) are at risk for going into septic shock due to open wounds created by the bedsores and the bodies inherently weakened condition as a result of the underlying wounds.

Consequently, treatment plans for patients with stage 4 bed sores should contain regular staff checks both of the wound and of the individual for the early signs of what may be the onset of sepsis. Symptoms of sepsis / septic shock may include:

• Elevated or depressed body temperature
• Low blood pressure
• Low urine output
• Discolorization of skin / rash
• Delirium / confusion
• Rapid heart rate
• Shortness of breath

In addition to monitoring the external manifestations of septic shock, medical providers may monitor the patient’s condition with ongoing lab tests of the urine and blood to determine if an infection is present and to test organ function. Yet, in other patients, doctors may use x-rays determine if there is any fluid in the lungs.

Given the dire prognosis and difficult treatment process related to patients with septic shock, staff in nursing homes, assisted living facilities and hospitals must be mindful of this condition and obtain the input from a specialist as soon as septic shock is suspected.

Related Information

• Survival rates for sepsis patients is dependent on how quickly the medical facility identifies the problem and implements treatment
• Study Says Older Hospital Patients Are at High Risk of Developing Sepsis
• Is an autopsy necessary when a family suspects bed sores caused the death of a family member?
• Is sepsis related to bed sores?

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