Sepsis, Pneumonia, and Meningitis: What Is the Difference?

Sepsis, pneumonia, and meningitis are types of infections seen frequently in the neonate. The signs of sepsis can be an overwhelming, systematic response, or the signs can be localized to the place of infection, whether lungs, spinal fluid, or bones. It is important for nurses to understand how the source of infection and progression of the disease can cause changes in the signs of infection. Infection can invade the bloodstream, produce an inflammatory reaction, and cause shock with resulting multiple-organ dysfunction. A conceptual model of the progression of sepsis in the neonate will be presented. The importance of understanding the progression in the disease process will assist the nurse to facilitate prompt and effective treatment for the infant with sepsis.