September 29, 2023
Sepsis, a grave systemic inflammatory response triggered by an infectious source, presents a dire potential for multi-organ failure and even fatality. It is noteworthy that nearly any infection, including the likes of COVID-19, can escalate into sepsis. As such, it is not surprising that over the past decade, we have observed a steady rise in sepsis cases across the United States. Every 2.8 seconds someone loses their life to this formidable adversary.
Sepsis manifests through a range of general symptoms: fever, tachycardia, altered mental status, pain, diaphoresis, shortness of breath, hypotension, and various disruptions in hemostasis. Swift recognition and immediate action to eliminate the infection-causing bacteria constitute the most effective means of combating sepsis. This includes the crucial steps of obtaining blood cultures, measuring lactate levels, conducting routine labs, and administering broad-spectrum antibiotics and fluids.
The urgency of this topic extends beyond the hospital walls, with a significant toll on both mortality and morbidity rates attributed to sepsis. Recognizing and raising awareness of the signs and symptoms of sepsis or septic shock are of paramount importance.
My dad had heart surgery during the pandemic when hospitals were very strict about visitation rules, which limited our ability to support him during his stay. He developed urosepsis after a urinary catheter insertion and died from sepsis from a hospital-acquired infection. His untimely death continues to impact my family to this day. His loss is deeply felt, not only during holidays, birthdays, and weddings, but every single day. I have always focused on appropriate aseptic technique both in my bedside career and as an educator, but since his preventable death, I have become even more passionate about training the next generation of nurses with the goal of preventing another family having the same tragic experience as mine.”
Darlene Baker MSN, RN, CNE, CHSE
Throughout September, faculty and students dedicated their efforts to raise awareness about sepsis, with a special emphasis on World Sepsis Awareness Day on September 13th. Through emails and conversations with students, faculty, staff, and health care providers, the school of nursing came together to spread knowledge about sepsis, emphasizing its significance in healthcare and the community.
Miller Williamson, CNAII ED Technician, SHAC Lab Manager, and BSN4 Honer’s student, shared his insights gained from working in the emergency room. He shared, “Working in the emergency room (ER) has granted me a profound insight into the numerous forms of illness that exist in our world. Among the many responsibilities I undertake as an ER Technician, one of the most prevalent is the collection of blood cultures.”
This semester, Miller had the privilege of partnering with his mentor, Krystal Pendergraft-Horne, DNP RN FNP-C, as they embarked on an ambitious honors project together. They both share a common belief that accentuates the vital importance of a comprehensive understanding of sepsis for healthcare professionals and, more importantly, for the well-being of their patients.
Pendergraft-Horne emphasized, “Preventative actions such as proper handwashing, hygiene, and infection control protocols can help mitigate the risk of developing sepsis. As an experienced acute care RN and FNP, early recognition of sepsis is crucial for positive patient outcomes.”
Pendergraft-Horne also highlighted the vital role of education in sepsis management: “In Adult Health II, our nursing students are taught how to recognize subtle signs and symptoms of sepsis and act quickly with appropriate nursing interventions in an unfolding case study called, ‘Surviving Sepsis: The Amazing Race.'” She expressed her hope “to mimic real-life scenarios in the classroom to better prepare our students for future nursing practice at the bedside.”
Explore the valuable sepsis awareness resources available at (https://www.worldsepsisday.org/). This website provides in-depth insights into common causes, at-risk demographics, and effective strategies for preventing sepsis. Additionally, it features an informative quiz designed to assess your knowledge after immersing yourself in the world of sepsis.