Sepsis and MODS Flashcards

Which intervention is most important for reducing ventilator-associated complications in a septic ARDS patient?

Answer: Low tidal volume lung-protective ventilation (6 mL/kg)

Low tidal volume ventilation at about 6 mL/kg ideal body weight reduces lung injury in ARDS.

For glycemic control in critically ill septic patients, insulin therapy is typically started when blood glucose exceeds:

Answer: 180 mg/dL

Insulin is initiated when glucose exceeds 180 mg/dL, targeting roughly 140-180 mg/dL.

Which nutritional strategy is recommended for the hemodynamically stable septic patient?

Answer: Early enteral nutrition within 24-48 hours

Early enteral feeding within 24-48 hours supports gut integrity and is preferred.

Which measure best evaluates the adequacy of resuscitation and guides ongoing therapy in sepsis?

Answer: Serial lactate clearance

Trending lactate to assess clearance reflects improving perfusion and guides resuscitation.

A continuous renal replacement therapy (CRRT) is often preferred over intermittent hemodialysis in septic AKI because it:

Answer: Provides gentler fluid and solute removal in hemodynamically unstable patients

CRRT offers slower, continuous clearance better tolerated by unstable septic patients.

Which finding indicates that a septic patient is deteriorating toward refractory shock?

Answer: Escalating vasopressor requirements with worsening lactate

Rising vasopressor needs alongside worsening lactate signals progression to refractory shock.

Source control in sepsis refers to:

Answer: Identifying and eliminating the focus of infection (e.g., draining an abscess)

Source control means physically removing or draining the infection source as soon as feasible.