Septic shock is a clinical emergency condition, which involves a lethal drop in the blood pressure of the patient due to the presence of bacteria in the blood. This condition will prevent the delivery of blood to the organs and lead to multiple organ failure and even cause rapid death. It is estimated that this condition occurs in more than 230,000 U.S. patients every year. Recently, JAMA published new advances in septic shock diagnosis and treatment in the hope of reducing such a mass figure. These advancements along with proper documentation through emergency room transcription can make a huge positive impact on septic shock care.
As per the JAMA report, there are three main advancements in septic shock care such as:
- The authors recommend focused ultrasonography to detect complicating factors such as hypovolemia or cardiogenic shock in patients. Both invasive (for example, pulmonary artery catheter) and noninvasive hemodynamic monitoring are recommended only for selected subgroups of septic shock.
- Three randomized clinical trials revealed that protocolized care (protocol-guided fluid resuscitation) for septic shock offers little advantage compared to the management by clinical assessment without a protocol.
- Hydroxyethyl starch is no longer recommended for the treatment of septic shock patients as it may be associated with worst outcomes. The debate regarding the role of various crystalloid solutions and albumin continues as well.
Though lactate is widely used in shock assessment, further evaluation is required for its specific role in diagnostic and treatment algorithms.
Importance of More Focused Documentation
Septic shock is an emergency event for which prompt clinical diagnosis is critical. The JAMA report states that prompt diagnosis starts with a focused history and physical examination for signs and symptoms. Though focused ultrasonography will help to detect complex physiologic manifestations of shock, you should record all details retrieved during a physical examination for accurate diagnosis. Proper emergency room documentation involves a comprehensive and focused history and physical examination report, which will help doctors to make the correct diagnosis as early as possible.
When it comes to septic shock treatment, accurate documentation plays a crucial role. The first step to the treatment itself is properly addressing suspected or documented infection as per the report. Depending on the details provided in the patient’s medical reports, appropriate treatment is provided for the septic shock. Prompt administration of intravenous fluids for restoring adequate circulation is vital for septic shock patients. The doses and type of intravenous fluids recommended by doctors should be documented correctly in patients’ records for prompt administration.
In short, the new advances in septic shock care will be truly beneficial only if your documentation remains accurate and complete. Rather than spending your precious time for documentation, consider obtaining assistance from skilled and experienced transcriptionists providing emergency room transcription services. This will help ensure accurate medical records and timely septic shock care.
