Lesson 1Pathophysiology of sepsis and septic shock: host response, organ dysfunction, and progressionExplains the body's reaction to infection, covering inflammatory and immune processes, small blood vessel failure, and cell malfunction. Connects these to organ failure, shock advancement, and signs that nurses watch for 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 crystalloid fluids, bolus amounts, and rates in early sepsis treatment. Stresses dynamic checks for fluid response, spotting fluid overload at the bedside, and nursing methods to balance blood flow without causing 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 complications from sepsis, such as acute kidney injury, blood clotting issues, breathing failure, and requirements for organ support. Focuses on early spotting, prevention methods, 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 careOutlines precise recording of sepsis bundles, vital sign patterns, and treatments, plus effective sharing of escalation signals. Stresses organised handovers, closed-loop talking, and checklists to ensure ongoing 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 prompt choice, dosing, and giving of initial antimicrobial drugs in sepsis. Covers taking samples, reviewing treatment with new information, reducing therapy, and nursing roles in drug management and watching for side effects.
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 the primary vasopressor in septic shock, covering when to use it, starting doses, adjustment methods, monitoring goals, side effects, and usual nurse-led protocols, including safety measures and central line checks.
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 the latest Surviving Sepsis Campaign guidelines and bundles, focusing on 1-hour and 3-hour steps. Highlights urgent nursing actions, adapting to 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 8Hemodynamic goals in sepsis: MAP targets, lactate-guided resuscitation, and fluid responsiveness assessmentDefines blood flow goals in sepsis, including MAP aims, lactate reduction, and perfusion signs. Reviews bedside checks for fluid response and using dynamic measures, scans, and clinical sense in treatment 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 repeated lactates, urine flow, mental state, and other organ signs. Includes bedside tools, reassessment timing, and records to direct continued treatment and reduction.
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, including timing, arranging scans and procedures, and team communication. Highlights nursing roles in readying, moving, consent help, and after-procedure watching.
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
