Septic Shock

Term Paper # 103769

Medical and Health > Nursing

Septic Shock

This paper focuses on septic shock and its implications for nursing.

760 words () | 6 sources | APA | 2008 United States

Paper Summary:

The paper defines septic shock, its pathophysiological manifestations or effects within the human body, and the psychosocial effects it has upon human beings. The paper discusses the conventional medical treatment, the alternative therapies, the nursing care required and the common monitoring technology that permits health care professionals to keep a close eye on the recuperation of a patient after initial treatments. The paper shows how septic shock is a serious and complicated matter that presents real challenges to modern medicine. A large amount of source material is appended to the paper.

From the Paper:

"A basic description of septic shock, as might imagine, is quite interesting - and more than a little frightening. The phenomenon itself is rather complicated but a basic definition of septic shock is that it is a serious condition that takes places when an "overwhelming infection" precipitates low blood pressure and low blood flow. As a result of this, the brain, the kidneys, liver, and especially the heart fail to work properly (U.S. National Library of Medicine and the National Institutes of Health, 2007). The end consequence can be a very cruel and agonizing death."

Sample of Sources Used:

Baumgartner, J.D., and Calandra, T. (1999). Treatment of Sepsis: Past and future avenues. Drugs, 57(2): 127-132.
Hemodynamic monitoring overview. (2000, December 4). NurseBob's MICU/CCU Survival Guide. Retrieved April 16, 2007 from <http://rnbob.tripod.com/hemod.htm>
Jaroff, Leon. (2000, July 24). The new antiseptics. Time Canada, 156(4): 67.
Sharma, Sat. (2006, June 13). Septic shock. eMedicine: Septic Shock. Retrieved April 15, 2007 from <http://www.emedicine.com/MED/topic2101.htm>
Stoll, Eileen Hellwig. (2001). Sepsis and septic shock. Clinical Journal of Oncology Nursing, 5(2): 1-2.