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Sepsis source control — hidden focus 🚨 🦠
Sepsis source control — hidden focus 🚨 🦠
Antibiotics alone may fail when there is an infected obstructed urinary system, undrained collection, infected device or bowel perforation; drainage or removal may be essential.
🔎 Recognise
Look for persistent shock or fever, focal pain, recent procedures, lines, abdominal signs, flank pain or a postoperative patient deteriorating despite initial treatment.
🛟 First actions
Follow the sepsis pathway while calling the relevant surgical, interventional radiology, urology or critical care team early. Senior teams decide urgency of drainage, decompression or removal of infected material.
🧪 Investigations and reassessment
Review cultures, focused imaging and device history without delaying initial resuscitation or appropriate antimicrobial therapy. Reassess lactate, physiology and need for source intervention.
⚠️ Common pitfalls and escalation
Do not interpret transient improvement after fluids or antibiotics as proof that an infected obstructed organ is safe. A negative early scan does not replace clinical reassessment.
UK reference: NICE NG253 adult sepsis. Focused editorial source check, 7 November 2026; this is not independent clinical or pharmacy sign-off. Verify current local policy, BNF/BNFC and specialist advice before treatment. Not a prescribing protocol.
Related guides: Suspected sepsis in adults — FY quick guide 🚨 🦠 · Infected obstructed kidney — FY quick guide 🚨 💧
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