Sepsis

Manuel Rodriguez is a patient currently in the hospital. He is a 70 year old Hispanic male and is in the hospital currently due to pneumonia.

Inpatient Hospital Room

1. Identify early signs and symptoms of sepsis
2. Perform a focused head-to-toe assessment, including cardiovascular, respiratory, neurological, and skin findings.
3. Recognize the difference between sepsis, severe sepsis, and septic shock using SIRS criteria and clinical judgment.
4. Initiate evidence-based sepsis interventions
5. Administer antibiotics, fluids, and vasopressors (if applicable) safely, and monitor for therapeutic response and complications.
6. Communicate effectively with providers and the rapid response team using SBAR for sepsis escalation.
7. Educate the patient and family (when appropriate) about sepsis risks, treatment goals, and prevention strategies.

1. Accurately assess a patient with signs of systemic infection and hemodynamic instability.
2. Recognize early sepsis and initiate protocol-based nursing actions promptly
3. Administer broad-spectrum antibiotics within one hour of recognition.
4. Monitor vital signs and labs closely and identify signs of clinical deterioration.
5. Escalate care appropriately and participate in rapid response or sepsis alert activation.
6. Document time-sensitive interventions and assessment findings accurately in the EMR.