Abstract
Caring for a patient with suspected sepsis is a challenging nursing role. Early
recognition and appropriate management of a patient with sepsis saves lives. Nurses play a fundamental role in detecting changes in physiological observations that could indicate the onset of sepsis. Additionally, an awareness of the pathophysiology of sepsis allows the nurse to better understand how rapid intervention prevents the onset of septic shock. Furthermore, knowledge and use of clinical guidelines and sepsis screening tools are established methods to help reduce patient mortality. Nurse familiarity with ‘Red Flag’ criteria for sepsis and thorough completion of Early Warning Scores (EWS) facilitate earlier recognition and time critical intervention. Delivery of the ‘Sepsis Six’ within one hour of suspected sepsis saves lives.
recognition and appropriate management of a patient with sepsis saves lives. Nurses play a fundamental role in detecting changes in physiological observations that could indicate the onset of sepsis. Additionally, an awareness of the pathophysiology of sepsis allows the nurse to better understand how rapid intervention prevents the onset of septic shock. Furthermore, knowledge and use of clinical guidelines and sepsis screening tools are established methods to help reduce patient mortality. Nurse familiarity with ‘Red Flag’ criteria for sepsis and thorough completion of Early Warning Scores (EWS) facilitate earlier recognition and time critical intervention. Delivery of the ‘Sepsis Six’ within one hour of suspected sepsis saves lives.
| Original language | English |
|---|---|
| Journal | British Journal of Nursing |
| Publication status | Accepted/In press - 22 Jul 2020 |
Keywords
- Sepsis, septic shock, nurses, early identification and management, sepsis six