Sepsis & Source Control
Recognise infection-associated organ dysfunction and organise timely, risk-based care.
Quick revision ↓ Medical Dictionary
01Recognise the syndrome
Suspected infection with acute organ dysfunction should raise concern for sepsis. Fever may be absent, particularly in vulnerable patients. Examine for altered cognition, respiratory compromise, circulatory disturbance and reduced urine output while considering non-infectious alternatives.
02Assess risk and urgency
Use the appropriate local pathway and physiological scoring alongside clinical judgement. Rapid deterioration or shock requires emergency escalation. Adults, children and pregnant or recently pregnant patients have different pathways; one adult score should not be applied indiscriminately.
03Investigate without harmful delay
Obtain relevant cultures and investigations where feasible before antimicrobial treatment, but do not allow sampling to delay urgent treatment in a high-risk patient. Review lactate and organ function in context, and use imaging to investigate a suspected source when clinically safe.
04Treat and control the source
Select timely antimicrobials according to risk, suspected source, allergies and local resistance guidance. Source control may require drainage, removal of an infected device or surgery. Circulatory and respiratory support must accompany treatment when organ dysfunction is present.
05Review the diagnosis
Reassess response, microbiology and the ongoing need for each antimicrobial. Narrow or stop treatment when appropriate under clinical review, and watch for alternative diagnoses and drug toxicity. Explain uncertainty and recovery needs to the patient and family as the clinical picture develops.
High-Yield Revision
- Absence of fever does not exclude sepsis.
- Source control can be as important as antimicrobials.
- Use population-appropriate pathways.
Common Pitfalls
- Delaying urgent treatment for a difficult culture sample.
- Continuing broad treatment without reassessment.
References & Further Reading
Read the relevant guideline sections alongside these original clinical teaching cases. Local pathways, available services and individual patient factors determine care.
Reference review: 29 September 2026. Consult current local protocols for prescribing, procedures and escalation.