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 advancement, and real-time clinical signs that nurses track.
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 fluid overload at bedside, and nursing methods to maintain 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 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 careExplains precise recording of sepsis bundles, vital trends, and actions, plus effective communication of escalation points. Covers structured handovers, closed-loop talks, and checklists for seamless 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. Includes getting cultures, reviewing therapy with new info, de-escalation, and nursing 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 primary vasopressor in septic shock, covering indications, initial doses, titration, monitoring goals, side effects, and nurse-led protocols with safety and central line focus.
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 Surviving Sepsis Campaign guidelines and bundles, focusing on 1-hour and 3-hour steps. Highlights urgent nursing tasks, adapting local protocols, and audits to boost compliance and 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 haemodynamic targets in sepsis, like MAP, lactate reduction, and perfusion signs. Covers bedside fluid response checks using dynamic tools, ultrasound, and clinical sense for treatment 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 with repeated lactates, urine, mental state, and organ signs. Includes bedside tools, reassessment timing, and records to direct ongoing 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, timing, imaging coordination, and team talks. Stresses nursing prep, transport, consent aid, 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
