Lesson 1Pathophysiology of sepsis and septic shock: host response, organ dysfunction, and progressionExplains the body's response to infection, covering inflammatory and immune pathways, microcirculatory issues, and cellular problems. Connects these to organ failure, shock advancement, and clinical signs that nurses track in real time.
Host immune response to infection in sepsisEndothelial injury and capillary leakMicrocirculatory and mitochondrial dysfunctionFrom sepsis to septic shock: key transitionsOrgan dysfunction patterns and SOFA conceptsClinical correlates of underlying pathophysiologyLesson 2Fluid therapy specifics: crystalloid selection, bolus strategies, and recognition of fluid overloadCovers choice of crystalloids, bolus amounts, and rates for early sepsis resuscitation. Stresses dynamic checks for fluid response, spotting fluid overload at bedside, and nursing methods to balance perfusion while avoiding harm.
Balanced versus normal saline selectionInitial bolus strategies and reassessment timingStatic and dynamic fluid responsiveness toolsClinical signs of fluid overload at the bedsideDocumentation of fluid balance and net statusCollaboration on de-resuscitation strategiesLesson 3Patient safety and sepsis-related complications: acute kidney injury, coagulopathy, and need for organ supportDeals with common sepsis complications like acute kidney injury, blood clotting issues, respiratory failure, and organ support needs. Focuses on early spotting, prevention steps, and nursing care for kidney, lung, and blood support.
Recognition and staging of acute kidney injuryCoagulopathy, DIC, and bleeding riskRespiratory failure and ventilatory supportHemodynamic support beyond vasopressorsNursing care for renal replacement therapyPrevention and early detection of complicationsLesson 4Documentation and communication: recording bundle elements, escalation triggers, and handover of sepsis careCovers precise recording of sepsis bundles, vital trends, and actions, plus clear sharing of escalation points. Stresses structured handovers, closed-loop talks, and checklists to ensure seamless care continuity.
Recording sepsis bundle elements and timingDocumenting hemodynamics and lactate trendsEscalation triggers and rapid response criteriaStructured handover tools for sepsis patientsInterdisciplinary communication best practicesLegal and quality implications of documentationLesson 5Antimicrobial stewardship and timing: empirical therapy selection, de-escalation, and culture stewardshipEmphasises timely choice, dosing, and giving of empirical antimicrobials in sepsis. Covers taking cultures, reviewing therapy with new info, de-escalation plans, and nurses' role in antimicrobial care and toxicity watch.
Timing of first-dose antibiotics in sepsisEmpirical regimen selection and local antibiogramsObtaining cultures without delaying therapyDe-escalation and duration of therapyMonitoring for antimicrobial adverse effectsNursing contributions to stewardship roundsLesson 6Vasopressors and inotropes: indications, dosing targets, titration, adverse effects, and common nurse-driven protocols for norepinephrineReviews norepinephrine as first-choice vasopressor in septic shock, covering when to use, starting doses, titration methods, monitoring goals, side effects, and nurse-led protocols with safety checks and central line notes.
Indications for norepinephrine in septic shockStarting doses, concentration, and titration stepsMAP targets and hemodynamic monitoringRecognition and management of adverse effectsCentral line use, patency, and extravasation careNurse-driven vasopressor titration protocolsLesson 7Current international sepsis guidelines and bundles (Surviving Sepsis Campaign): 1-hour and 3-hour elementsSummarises Surviving Sepsis Campaign guidelines and bundles, focusing on 1-hour and 3-hour steps. Highlights time-critical nursing actions, adapting local protocols, and review processes to boost compliance and patient results.
Core principles of Surviving Sepsis CampaignOne-hour bundle elements and nurse actionsThree-hour bundle elements and sequencingIntegrating bundles into unit workflowsMeasuring compliance and feedback loopsAdapting guidelines to local resourcesLesson 8Haemodynamic goals in sepsis: MAP targets, lactate-guided resuscitation, and fluid responsiveness assessmentSets out haemodynamic targets in sepsis like MAP goals, lactate clearance, and perfusion signs. Covers bedside fluid response checks using dynamic measures, ultrasound, and clinical sense for resuscitation choices.
MAP targets and individualized blood pressure goalsLactate trends and perfusion-guided resuscitationCapillary refill and peripheral perfusion markersDynamic indices for fluid responsivenessRole of bedside ultrasound in volume assessmentBalancing fluids, vasopressors, and inotropesLesson 9Monitoring response to sepsis treatment: serial lactates, urine output, end-organ perfusion markers, and bedside clinical toolsDescribes tracking sepsis treatment response with repeat lactates, urine output, alertness, and organ signs. Includes bedside tools, reassessment timing, and records to guide continued resuscitation and scaling back.
Serial lactate measurement and interpretationUrine output targets and renal perfusionNeurologic status and delirium screeningSkin, temperature, and perfusion assessmentFrequency and structure of reassessment roundsTrend-based documentation and care adjustmentsLesson 10Infection source control: principles, timelines, and nursing coordination for procedures and diagnosticsOutlines infection source control basics, timing, coordinating scans and procedures, and team talks. Notes nurses' roles in prep, moving patients, consent help, and monitoring after procedures.
Identifying likely infection sources earlyTiming and urgency of source control actionsCoordinating imaging and bedside proceduresPreprocedure preparation and safety checksPostprocedure monitoring and complication signsNursing role in multidisciplinary planning
