Assessment and management of the septic patient: part 1.
Sepsis has gained increasing publicity in recent years, and is now a strong focus of clinical education and training following the launch of the 'Surviving Sepsis' campaign. The assessment and management of a septic patient are far from simple and requires a systematic approach in both identifying and managing the condition. This two-part series explores the assessment and management of a septic patient, with this article emphasising the need to identify the signs and symptoms of sepsis at the early stages if positive patient outcomes are to be realised. The ABCDE approach to patient assessment is explored in the context of sepsis, as this approach can ensure the nurse will identify sepsis as opposed to the basic method of only performing vital observations.
Staff Nurse, critical care unit, Royal Gwent Hospital, Aneurin Bevan University Health Board.
Jody
J
Vaughan
Senior Lecturer in Critical Care, School of Care Sciences, University of South Wales.
Andy
A
Parry
D002985:Clinical Protocols; D019468:Disease Management; D042241:Early Diagnosis; D006801:Humans; D024802:Nurse's Role; D009730:Nursing Assessment; D018805:Sepsis / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000451:nursing* / Q000628:therapy; D012772:Shock, Septic / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000451:nursing / Q000628:therapy; D018746:Systemic Inflammatory Response Syndrome / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000451:nursing / Q000628:therapy; D014662:Vasoconstrictor Agents / Q000627:therapeutic use; D055986:Vital Signs
D014662:Vasoconstrictor Agents
Sepsis; Septic shock; Systemic inflammatory response syndrome