Sepsis in Critical Care

Sepsis is a syndrome that reflects a constellation of signs and symptoms related to an infectious process that has accelerated the inflammatory immune response, the coagulation and fibrinolytic pathways, as well as endothelial changes. Because of the high mortality rate associated with sepsis and septic shock, early stabilization with fluid resuscitation, vasopressors, and positive inotropes is critical. The challenge for nurses is to integrate vigilant assessments into the ongoing needs of a critically ill patient to prevent the development of multiple organ failure syndrome.