Five Conditions That Can Cause Sepsis in Illinois Nursing Home Residents

 Posted on August 10, 2022 in Sepsis

When a body becomes overwhelmed with an infection, it may kick the immune system into overdrive. Sometimes, this triggers a dangerous condition called “sepsis.” Sepsis is not an infection per se, but rather a full-body immune system response in which the body begins attacking its own tissues. This can rapidly lead to organ failure and death. 

Because of their vulnerable health and difficulty communicating, elderly residents of nursing homes are at increased risk of suffering from sepsis. Here are five conditions that can cause sepsis in an Illinois nursing home if proper treatment, supervision, or cleanliness is not observed. 

Bed Sores

When a patient lays in bed for too long, the pressure of their body weight on the contact points with the bed or chair can turn into bed sores. Nursing home staff are responsible for moving patients regularly and ensuring they do not develop these painful sores. If the sores do begin to develop, nursing home staff should catch them well before they become an open wound susceptible to infection.

Broken or Fractured Bones 

Because it can be difficult for nursing home residents to communicate pain, a bone that has suffered a small break or fracture may go unnoticed. Yet internal bleeding and even external damage may be present, ultimately leading to sores and infections. 

Scraps or Cuts

Mobility is frequently an issue for patients in residential care facilities. Accidentally falling and suffering something as minor as a rugburn may lead to serious skin damage and infection. Even struggling to use a dinner knife or fingernail clipper can lead to accidental injuries which can become infected. 

Burns

Residents who live in part-time care facilities may have candles, cooking implements, or access to boiling water in their rooms. These all present the opportunity for accidental burns. In other cases, full-time residents may suffer from cognitive degeneration and wander into dangerous areas such as kitchens or utility rooms. Staff must be aware of their patients’ needs and offer appropriate supervision to avoid burns. 

Catheters

When placed incorrectly, catheters can present a serious danger of infection. Even when placed correctly, catheters and the area around them must be cleaned daily to keep dangerous bacteria away from catheter insertion points. Understaffing or improper training may prevent a nursing home from ensuring proper catheter care is provided to all patients in need. 

Call a Cook County Nursing Home Injury Lawyer

Sepsis can be a quick killer, striking its victims before the people around them scarcely know they are ill. If your loved one has suffered from sepsis and been seriously injured or died in their Illinois nursing home, you may want to take action. Call the experienced Chicago, IL nursing home injury attorneys with Schwartz Injury Law. We will exercise our resources and connections to make sure your case gets an honest investigation and that you get the compensation you deserve. Call us now at 312-535-4625 and schedule a free consultation today. 

Source: 

https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/sepsis/symptoms-causes/syc-20351214