Final answer:
In bacterial septicemia, peripheral blood typically shows leukocytosis and changes linked to systemic inflammation, such as fluid loss leading to edema and reduced blood pressure. Therapies focus on anti-infective, anti-inflammatory, and hemodynamic support measures to avert severe complications like organ failure.
Step-by-step explanation:
When a patient is diagnosed with bacterial septicemia, a life-threatening condition, an array of physiological changes can be expected in their peripheral blood. As bacteria or their toxins enter the bloodstream, a systemic inflammatory response syndrome (SIRS) occurs, often leading to sepsis. The inflammatory reaction includes the release of various cytokines, such as tumor necrosis factor, which increases the permeability of blood capillaries. This response can prompt fluid loss from the circulatory system, resulting in edema, and critically reduced blood pressure. Additionally, the blood may present with leukocytosis, an increase in the number of white blood cells, as the body attempts to fight the infection.
Effective therapies for stopping the dangerous outcomes of septic shock may include the use of broad-spectrum antibiotics to combat the underlying infection, administration of anti-inflammatory drugs to manage the systemic inflammatory response, and the use of vasopressors to stabilize blood pressure and maintain adequate perfusion of the organs. It is crucial to start these treatments promptly to prevent multiple organ failure and the high risk of death associated with septic shock.