Labs
This lab is the best indicator that tissues are not getting enough oxygen due to sepsis.
Lactate
You want to establish what _________ immediately on a newly admitted septic patient
2 Large Bore IVs
These 3 early signs are increased in septic patients
Blood cultures should be obtained before administering what treatment?
Antibiotics
This common nursing priority helps prevent hospital-acquired infections that lead to sepsis and is considered the most effective infection control measure
Hand hygiene
Which lab value would be most concerning after fluid resuscitation? WBC 17,000, Sodium 135, Glucose 180, or Lactate 4.8?
Lactate 4.8
You want to monitor a change in this neuro assessment as priority for a septic patient because it can indicate worsening perfusion and organ dysfunction
Level of consciousness
This early sign can be normal or low.
Blood pressure
These 2 types of IV fluids are commonly given to improve circulation
Normal Saline and Lactated Ringers
Sepsis is defined as
A life-threatening organ dysfunction caused by dysregulated host response
This lab is often elevated in infection, but can be low in severe sepsis.
White Blood Cells
You would monitor this to ensure the kidneys are being perfused adequately
Urine output
This skin is ____________ and _____________ in the early stage of sepsis
Warm and flushed
This is a common GI complication when on antibiotics
C.diff
This medication may be started if a patient with septic shock remains hypotensive after receiving adequate IV fluid resuscitation, making it the first-line vasopressor
norepinephrine (levophed)
This 3-letter word can be eaten with a hotdog, or used to check your renal function
BUN
This is the most effective treatment for a patient in septic shock ______________
IV fluids
The blood pressure is __________ in late stage sepsis
Hypotensive
The nurse administers norepinephrine to a septic patient, what is the desired outcome?
An increase in blood pressure
This organ system is often assessed by monitoring urine output, with less than 0.5 mL/kg/hr suggesting decreased perfusion during sepsis.
This lab is used to check the pH of the patient
ABGs (arterial blood gas)
Even if the patients O2 sat is great, we want to put the patient on ________
Oxygen
The skin in a septic patient is ________ and ________ during late stage
Cool & mottled
This medication is the first line vasopressor used when hypotension persists after fluid resuscitation.
Norepinephrine (Levophed)
DAILY DOUBLE
This life-threatening condition occurs when sepsis causes persistent hypotension despite adequate fluid resuscitation, requiring vasopressors to maintain blood pressure.