Sepsis Red Flags (Vitals & Perfusion)
he BP threshold that signals concerning hypotension (either value accepted)
What is SBP < 90 mmHg?
Neck findings are commonly seen with fluid overload.
What is jugular venous distention (JVD)?
Name two significant traction types listed in the review.
What are skin traction and skeletal traction? (Also, manual, continuous, and intermittent appear in the list.)
Two serum markers are commonly used to assess protein/nutrition status.
What are albumin and pre-albumin? (CRP also appears in the panel.)
After a line/tube is removed, roughly when may the dressing be taken off?
What is 24–48 hours post-removal?
A respiratory rate that raises concern for sepsis.
What is ≥ 22–26 breaths/min?
A lung sound and symptom pair that screams fluid overload.
What are crackles and dyspnea/orthopnea?
Give one listed complication of traction.
What is skin breakdown (or infection, nerve damage, vascular compromise, muscle atrophy, delayed/non-union, displacement)?
Name two population groups at higher nutrition risk listed in the slides.
What are very young children and older adults? (Other acceptable: pregnancy/lactation; chronic disease; allergies/intolerances.)
Clue: Inpatients who just had a device removed: how often do you check the dressing initially and later?
What is q1h × 4 hours, then once per shift?
Temperature can change in either direction in sepsis. Name both extremes that worry you.
What are fever and hypothermia?
Typical vital-sign change plus pulse quality in hypervolemia.
What are hypertension and bounding pulses?
A listed contraindication related to the skin.
What is a severe skin condition at the traction site?
Name two individual risk factors for poor nutrition from the review.
What are impaired oral intake and increased metabolic demand? (Also: underlying conditions, lifestyle/choices, altered organ function.)
Name two things you must teach a patient going home with a drain/dressing.
What are hand hygiene & how/when to change dressings and how to empty, measure, and record drain output (maintain suction if applicable)?
A neuro sign of organ hypoperfusion you must not miss.
What is an altered mental status?
The fastest daily indicator on the scale.
What is acute weight gain?
Why is severe peripheral vascular disease a contraindication?
Because traction can further compromise already impaired circulation, it increases the risk of ischemia.
List two elements of a basic nutrition assessment besides labs.
What are the history and examination findings? (Diagnostics also acceptable.)
Give two red-flag symptoms after discharge that mean “call the provider/ED.”
What are fever, increasing pain, spreading redness, foul odour, sudden ↑ drainage, or colour change (any two)?
Give two vital-sign changes (besides BP) that point to possible organ failure.
What are tachycardia (>100–110 bpm) and tachypnea (≥22–26/min)? (Fever or hypothermia also acceptable.)
Name two peripheral findings in the extremities.
What are peripheral edema and bounding pulses?
Which of these is NOT a listed traction complication: air embolism or muscle atrophy?
What is an air embolism? (It’s not on the traction list.)
This practice—tailoring plans to a person’s beliefs and dietary norms—improves engagement and outcomes.
What is culturally competent, patient-centred nutrition care?
One activity precaution and one hygiene instruction to prevent wound complications at home.
What is avoid heavy lifting/stretching and follow safe showering/bathing instructions; keep the area clean and dry.