Sepsis Basics
A life-threatening organ dysfunction due to a dysregulated host response to infection
What is Sepsis?
This term marks the starting point for sepsis bundle timing.
What is Time Zero?
If blood cultures cannot be obtained immediately, you should do this.
What is start antibiotics and document why cultures were delayed?
This is a critical lactate level that requires urgent provider notification.
What is ≥ 4 mmol/L?
This is the most important first step in improving sepsis outcomes.
What is early recognition?
This condition is a subset of sepsis with profound circulatory and metabolic abnormalities.
What is septic shock?
Antibiotics should ideally be administered within this time frame for suspected septic shock.
What is within 1 hour?
If infection likelihood is low and no shock is present, you should do this with antibiotics.
What is defer antibiotics and monitor closely?
Vital signs should be monitored this frequently during a fluid bolus.
What is every 15 minutes?
This tool is used to help identify patients at risk for sepsis early.
What is a sepsis screening tool?
This key feature must be present for a patient to meet the definition of sepsis.
What is organ dysfunction?
If lactate is elevated (>2), it should be repeated within this timeframe.
What is within 3 hours?
When giving multiple antibiotics, this type should be administered first.
What is beta-lactam?
Name one method used to reassess volume status after fluids.
What is capillary refill, CVP, ultrasound, passive leg raise, or pulse assessment?
This change in patient condition may indicate early organ dysfunction in sepsis.
What is altered mental status?
Sepsis is present in approximately this percentage of hospitalizations.
What is 6%?
Fluid resuscitation should be completed within this timeframe after recognition.
What is within 3 hours?
This MAP goal should be maintained in septic shock.
What is ≥ 65 mm Hg?
This must be documented if less than 30 mL/kg fluids are given.
What is the reason (e.g., heart failure, fluid overload, renal failure)?
This subtle sign may indicate worsening perfusion before blood pressure drops.
What is elevated lactate?
This fraction of hospital deaths involves patients with sepsis.
What is 1 out of 3?
Vasopressors should be initiated within this timeframe if hypotension persists.
What is within 6 hours?
After initial fluids, further fluid administration should be based on this.
What is fluid responsiveness and perfusion assessment?
This concept emphasizes early detection to improve sepsis outcomes.
What is sepsis screening?
What are qualifying findings that are evidence of organ dysfunction?