Which diagnostic test result would make the nurse concerned that the client is at risk for sepsis?
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Sepsis in the NewbornWhat is newborn sepsis?Newborn sepsis is a severe infection in an infant younger than 28 days old. The infection is in your baby’s blood. But it may affect any body system or the whole body. What causes newborn sepsis?Newborn sepsis is most often caused by bacteria. But other germs can also cause it. A baby may become infected before birth if your amniotic fluid is infected. During delivery, the newborn may be exposed to an infection in the birth canal. Once born, a baby may be exposed to infections in the hospital or at home. Which babies are at risk for newborn sepsis?These things make it more likely that your newborn will have sepsis:
What are the symptoms of newborn sepsis?Sepsis in newborns can be hard to identify. Symptoms depend on what’s causing the infection. They also depend on how severe the infection is and where it is. The newborn may have:
How is newborn sepsis diagnosed?The symptoms of sepsis are similar to some other health conditions. Your baby will need tests to make a sepsis diagnosis and to rule out other illnesses. These tests may include:
How is newborn sepsis treated?Treatment will depend on your baby’s symptoms, age, and general health. It will also depend on how severe the condition is. Early diagnosis and treatment is the best way to stop sepsis. If your baby’s healthcare provider thinks it may be sepsis, your baby will get antibiotics right away, even before test results are available. Once the provider has the test results, he or she may change the treatment. A newborn with sepsis may be very ill. He or she will need to stay in the newborn intensive care unit (NICU). In the NICU your baby will be watched very closely. In addition to the antibiotics, he or she will get fluids, other medicines, oxygen, nutrition, and help with breathing, if needed. What are possible complications of newborn sepsis?Sepsis is life-threatening for newborns. It can affect any body system. It often affects more than 1 system at the same time. Can newborn sepsis be prevented?Newborn sepsis can’t be completely prevented. But you can lower the risk. Regular prenatal care can find and treat many problems that put a newborn at risk for sepsis. Hospitals and other facilities have practices in place to prevent the spread of infection. These include:
When should I call my baby’s healthcare provider?Call your baby’s healthcare provider right away if your newborn has:
Key points about newborn sepsis
Next stepsTips to help you get the most from a visit to your child’s healthcare provider:
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