Lesson 1Pathophysiology of sepsis and septic shock: host response, organ dysfunction, and progressionDescribes the body's response to infection, covering inflammatory and immune pathways, microcirculatory issues, and cellular problems. Connects these to organ failure, shock development, and signs that nurses track in real time at the bedside.
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 overloadDiscusses choosing crystalloids, bolus amounts, and rates for early sepsis treatment. Stresses assessing fluid response dynamically, spotting overload at the bedside, and nursing methods to balance perfusion while avoiding risks.
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 supportCovers frequent sepsis complications like acute kidney injury, coagulopathy, respiratory failure, and organ support needs. Focuses on early detection, prevention, and nursing support for renal, respiratory, and blood-related care.
Recognition and staging of acute kidney injuryCoagulopathy, DIC, and bleeding riskRespiratory failure and ventilatory supportHaemodynamic 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 careExplains precise recording of sepsis bundles, vital trends, and actions, plus effective communication of escalation points. Highlights structured handovers, closed-loop talks, and checklists for ongoing care continuity.
Recording sepsis bundle elements and timingDocumenting haemodynamics 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 empirical antimicrobial choices, dosing, and giving in sepsis. Covers taking cultures, reviewing therapy with new info, de-escalation, and nurses' roles in stewardship and toxicity checks.
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 norepinephrineExamines norepinephrine as the primary vasopressor for septic shock, covering when to use it, starting doses, titration methods, monitoring goals, side effects, and nurse-led protocols with safety and line checks.
Indications for norepinephrine in septic shockStarting doses, concentration, and titration stepsMAP targets and haemodynamic 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 elementsOutlines the latest Surviving Sepsis Campaign guidelines and bundles, focusing on 1-hour and 3-hour steps. Covers time-critical nursing tasks, adapting local protocols, and audit processes to boost compliance and outcomes.
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 aims in sepsis, such as MAP goals, lactate reduction, and perfusion signs. Reviews bedside fluid response checks using dynamic measures, ultrasound, and clinical sense for resuscitation choices.
MAP targets and individualised 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 toolsExplains tracking sepsis treatment response with repeated lactates, urine volume, mental state, and organ signs. Includes bedside tools, reassessment timing, and records to direct continued treatment 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 diagnosticsDetails infection source control basics, including timing, arranging scans and procedures, and team communication. Stresses nurses' roles in prep, moving patients, consent help, and watching 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
