In real life, sepsis begins as a bacterial infection at a single source, an open wound such as a fourth degree bed sore, pressure sore or decubitus ulcer. Urinary tract infections that remain untreated could lead to Sepsis and Septic shock causing the death of the infected individual. which, if uncontrolled, spread to become a systemic attack on the body’s kidneys, liver, lungs and central nervous system.

It presents as simple sepsis, then moves to severe sepsis and, finally, to septic shock. It can run its entire course within hours. While the condition can be treated successfully, it can present grave challenges. Unless it’s stopped at its earliest stage, sepsis can claim one life in every two it invades. More than 200,000 Americans died last year of sepsis. Sepsis care in the last year amounted to $2 billion in the United States.

Complicating its diagnosis are accompanying chronic conditions that can make a patient more vulnerable to sepsis but may also distract a doctor from identifying it. Without a strong understanding of the basics of sepsis, the odds of recognizing a more-sophisticated presentation of the condition are zero.

About the Author

Attorney Steven Peck has been practicing law since 1981. A former successful business owner, Mr. Peck initially focused his legal career on business law. Within the first three years, after some colleagues and friend’s parents endured nursing home neglect and elder abuse, he continued his education to begin practicing elder law and nursing home abuse law.