Question

Patient admitted with localized infection and sepsis/severe sepsis doesn't develop until after admission. What is the possible reason for sepsis/severe sepsis developing after admission?

1) The infection was not properly treated upon admission.
2) The patient has a weak immune system.
3) The patient contracted a secondary infection.
4) There was a delay in diagnosing the infection.

Answer 1

Sepsis or severe sepsis developing after admission can be attributed to inadequate treatment of the initial infection, a weakened immune system, contracting a secondary infection, or a delay in diagnosis, which allows the infection to become systemic.

Step-by-step explanation:

The possible reason for sepsis or severe sepsis developing after admission could involve a number of factors. First, the initial infection may not have been properly treated upon admission, allowing the pathogens to multiply or spread. Second, the patient could have a weak immune system, which is less able to combat infections and may be compromised further during a period of stress such as hospitalization.

Third, the patient may have contracted a secondary infection, which can occur when primary infections compromise immune defenses or result from hospital-acquired (nosocomial) pathogens. Lastly, there could have been a delay in diagnosing the existing infection, allowing it to became systemic before appropriate measures could be taken.

Treating sepsis or severe sepsis requires prompt and effective medical intervention to manage the systemic inflammatory response that it triggers, which can be life-threatening.