Sepsis in Medical-Surgical Nursing: Pathophysiology, Recognition, and Management

Sepsis Recognition and Nursing Management

📘 Overview Sepsis is life-threatening organ dysfunction caused by a dysregulated response to infection. Nursing priorities are early recognition, rapid escalation, timely antimicrobial therapy, restoration of perfusion, and repeated assessment for deterioration.

🧠 Key Idea Suspected infection accompanied by new organ dysfunction warrants urgent evaluation for sepsis, even without fever. Treatment must address both the infection and impaired tissue perfusion.

⚔️ Core Details: - Dysregulated inflammation causes endothelial injury, vasodilation, capillary leakage, and microvascular thrombosis. - Warning signs of organ dysfunction include new confusion, oliguria, hypoxemia, hypotension, and rising creatinine. - For septic shock or a high likelihood of sepsis, administer prescribed IV broad-spectrum antibiotics immediately, ideally within $1$ hour. - For sepsis-induced hypoperfusion or septic shock, initial resuscitation generally includes at least $30\text{ mL/kg}$ IV crystalloid within $3$