Lesson 1Pathophysiology of sepsis and septic shock: host response, organ dysfunction, and progressionDescribes the body's reaction to infection, covering inflammation and immune responses, small blood vessel problems, and cell failures. Connects these to organ damage, shock development, and signs that nurses watch for in real time during patient care.
Body's immune fight against infection in sepsisDamage to blood vessel linings and fluid leaksProblems with small blood flow and cell energyShift from sepsis to septic shock: main changesPatterns of organ failure and SOFA scoringHow disease processes show in patient symptomsLesson 2Fluid therapy specifics: crystalloid selection, bolus strategies, and recognition of fluid overloadDiscusses choosing salt solutions, giving fluid boluses, and rates in early sepsis treatment. Stresses checking fluid response dynamically, spotting overload at the bedside, and nurse methods to balance blood flow without causing harm in local settings.
Choosing balanced salts over normal salineStarting bolus plans and check-up timesTools for static and dynamic fluid checksSigns of too much fluid seen at bedsideRecording fluid in and out balanceTeamwork on reducing fluids when neededLesson 3Patient safety and sepsis-related complications: acute kidney injury, coagulopathy, and need for organ supportCovers usual sepsis issues like sudden kidney problems, blood clotting disorders, breathing failure, and need for organ help. Focuses on spotting early, prevention steps, and nurse care for kidney, lung, and blood support in critical patients.
Spotting and grading sudden kidney injuryBlood clotting issues, DIC, and bleed risksLung failure and breathing machine supportBlood flow help beyond pressure drugsNurse care for kidney machine therapyStopping and early spotting of problemsLesson 4Documentation and communication: recording bundle elements, escalation triggers, and handover of sepsis careExplains proper recording of sepsis care bundles, vital sign changes, and treatments, plus clear talk on when to call for help. Stresses organised handovers, loop-back communication, and checklists to keep care smooth and ongoing.
Noting sepsis bundle steps and timesRecording blood flow and lactate changesTriggers for calling help and quick response rulesHandover tools for sepsis patientsBest team communication practicesLegal and quality effects of recordsLesson 5Antimicrobial stewardship and timing: empirical therapy selection, de-escalation, and culture stewardshipLooks at quick start of antibiotic choices, doses, and giving in sepsis. Covers taking samples, reviewing with new info, reducing drugs, and nurse roles in wise antibiotic use and watching for side effects in Botswana facilities.
Time for first antibiotic dose in sepsisChoosing starting treatments and local bug patternsTaking samples without delaying drugsReducing and setting treatment lengthWatching for drug side effectsNurse help in antibiotic review meetingsLesson 6Vasopressors and inotropes: indications, dosing targets, titration, adverse effects, and common nurse-driven protocols for norepinephrineReviews norepinephrine as main pressure drug in septic shock, covering when to use, start doses, adjusting steps, monitoring goals, side effects, and usual nurse-led plans, including safety checks and central tube issues.
When to use norepinephrine in septic shockStart doses, mix strength, and adjust stepsBlood pressure goals and flow monitoringSpotting and handling side effectsCentral tube use, keeping open, and leak careNurse-led pressure drug adjust plansLesson 7Current international sepsis guidelines and bundles (Surviving Sepsis Campaign): 1‑hour and 3‑hour elementsSums up latest Surviving Sepsis Campaign rules and bundles, focusing on 1-hour and 3-hour steps. Highlights time-critical nurse actions, adapting to local ways, and review processes to boost following rules and patient results in Botswana.
Main ideas of Surviving Sepsis Campaign1-hour bundle steps and nurse tasks3-hour bundle steps and orderFitting bundles into ward routinesChecking compliance and feedbackAdapting rules to local toolsLesson 8Hemodynamic goals in sepsis: MAP targets, lactate-guided resuscitation, and fluid responsiveness assessmentSets blood flow goals in sepsis, like MAP aims, lactate drop, and perfusion signs. Reviews bedside fluid response checks and using dynamic measures, scans, and nurse judgment in treatment choices.
MAP aims and personal blood pressure goalsLactate changes and perfusion-led treatmentCapillary refill and edge perfusion signsDynamic measures for fluid responseBedside scan role in volume checksBalancing fluids, pressure drugs, and heart helpersLesson 9Monitoring response to sepsis treatment: serial lactates, urine output, end-organ perfusion markers, and bedside clinical toolsExplains tracking sepsis treatment response with repeated lactates, urine amounts, alertness, and organ signs. Covers bedside tools, check frequency, and records to guide continued treatment and scaling back.
Repeated lactate checks and meaningsUrine amount goals and kidney flowBrain status and confusion checksSkin, temp, and perfusion checksHow often and how to reassessTrend records and care changesLesson 10Infection source control: principles, timelines, and nursing coordination for procedures and diagnosticsOutlines infection source control basics, including timing, arranging scans and procedures, and team talk. Highlights nurse roles in prep, moving patients, consent help, and after-care monitoring.
Finding likely infection spots earlyTiming and need for source controlArranging scans and bedside proceduresBefore-procedure prep and safetyAfter-procedure watch and problem signsNurse role in team planning
