Certain populations are at greater risk
of sepsis and should be more closely
assessed and monitored for deterioration.
Young children, frail older people or those
with multiple comorbidities may not have
the same capacity to fight infection as the
general population. Those with long-term
invasive devices, such as urinary catheters
or cannulae, are equally at risk. Chemotherapy
and other anti-cancer treatments increase the risk of neutropenic sepsis so
this should be considered in all patients
who become unwell following these treatments
(National Institute for Health and
Clinical Excellence, 2012). National early
warning scores (Royal College of Physicians,
2012) and robust escalation protocols
help identify and manage deterioration.
Nurses need to understand what
resources are available in their organisation
to help identify patients whose health
is deteriorating.