1. Surviving Sepsis:
YOU
Make the Difference

2. What is Sepsis? If detected early, sepsis can be treated!
Sepsis is a complication caused by the body’s overwhelming and
life-threatening response to an infection which can lead to tissue damage, organ failure and death. (CDC, 2016)
- Sepsis can occur at any time and can happen to anyone
- Sepsis can result from all types of infection
- Sepsis causes more hospital deaths than heart attacks
If detected early, sepsis can be treated!

3. What are the symptoms of sepsis?

4. How can I make a difference?
Notify the RN immediately for any or all of the following abnormal Vital Signs:
- Temp >101( ≥38.3 C) or < 96.9 ( <36C)
HR >90
RR >20
Systolic BP <90
Pt is suddenly confused, less responsive or more tired than the last time you saw them
- Measured urine output is decreased

5. What can I do to prevent sepsis?
- Wash hands or use foam sanitizer before and after caring for a patient.
- Wear gown, gloves and mask when appropriate.
- Perform CHG bath every 24hrs and notify RN if patient refuses.
- Perform High Touch Wipe Down in patient’s room
Complete once per shift or twice per shift with immune compromised patients
Use Bleach with 3 minutes contact time
- Document VS & I/Os in real time, with appropriate descriptions (color, amount, type).

6. Review of Knowledge
You are taking care of Miss Jones, an 88 year old who had hip replacement surgery. This morning she was friendly to staff, sitting up in bed eating breakfast and chatting with her daughter. A few hours later, during your rounds, you notice that Miss Jones is sleepy and is difficult to wake up. When you do wake her and ask her how she feels, she becomes angry and says “Who are you? Get out of my kitchen or I’ll call the police.” What would you do?
Apologize for disturbing her, then quietly leave the room to let her sleep.
Finish what you were doing with the patient and continue your rounds with other patients. Then tell the RN that Miss Jones seems confused and less alert
Immediately tell the RN that Miss Jones seems confused and less alert than she was earlier today.
Ignore her behavior, she’s old and cranky. That’s normal for someone her age.

7. Review of Knowledge
Which of your patient’s vital signs below would you report immediately to the RN: Temp: 37.1C (98.0F); Pulse: 92; Respirations: 24; BP: 88/58
Temp: 37.1C (98.0F); Respirations: 22; BP: 88/58
Respirations: 24; BP: 88/58
Pulse: 92; Respirations: 24; BP: 88/58
None of the above. The vital signs are all normal.
Sepsis Parameters
Temp >101( ≥38.3 C) or < (<36C)
HR >90
RR >20
Systolic BP <90

8. Review of Knowledge
Your RN is assisting a patient. You just took the following vital signs for another patient you are both caring for:
Temp 37.1C (98.0F); Pulse 92; Respirations 24; BP 88/58
What would you do next?
a. Continue with vitals as you are running behind. You can tell the nurse later.
b. Keep rechecking the vitals until they are normal.
c. Document the result in the chart and continue with your care of other patients.
d. Report this to your RN immediately and document the result in the chart.
Sepsis Parameters
Temp >101( ≥38.3 C) or < (<36C)
HR >90
RR >20
Systolic BP <90

9. Review of knowledge
What action would you take if your patient’s temperature is 35.8C (96.4F)
No action needed, this temperature is considered normal.
Report this to your RN the next time you see her/him.
Document the result in the chart and continue with your care of other patients.
Report this to your RN immediately and document the result in the chart.
Sepsis Parameters
Temp >101( ≥38.3 C) or < (<36C)
HR >90
RR >20
Systolic BP <90

10. Review of knowledge Which of the following can help prevent sepsis?
Use foam sanitizer to clean patient’s bed rails and tray table.
Wash your hands or use hand sanitizer before and after caring for your patient.
Use bleach wipes every shift (or twice per shift if patient is immunocompromised) to clean the patient’s side table, tray table, bed rails, etc.
Both B & C are correct