The Role of Nurses in Early Detection and Treatment of Sepsis in Acute Setting
Whitty, Gavin; Jothiramalingam, Ajeetha (2024)
2024
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Julkaisun pysyvä osoite on
https://urn.fi/URN:NBN:fi:amk-2025091924896
https://urn.fi/URN:NBN:fi:amk-2025091924896
Tiivistelmä
Sepsis is dysregulated response to an infection which left untreated leads to multiorgan failure, septic shock and ultimately death. Sepsis is a life-threatening condition and a leading cause of mortality in acute healthcare settings. According to the data published by WHO in 2020, 48.9 million cases and 11 million sepsis related deaths occur worldwide contributing to 20% of global deaths. Early detection and timely intervention are critical to improving outcomes, as sepsis can rapidly progress to severe organ dysfunction and death. Nurses play a central role in recognizing and managing sepsis due to their direct and frequent interactions with patients, especially in emergency and intensive care settings.
The purpose of this descriptive literature review was to describe the role of nurses in the early identification and treatment of sepsis in acute settings, along with the challenges they face in an acute care environment. The aim was to produce new knowledge and understanding about the importance of early identification of sepsis and treatment, for nurses working in acute care settings. A descriptive literature review was used to analyse the existing literature sought through databases CINAHL and PubMed, selecting 14 primary research articles about sepsis in acute settings, published in the last 10 years. The inductive type of data analysis was employed effectively to answer the research questions and evolve meaningful conclusions.
The findings describe that sepsis can be identified in acute settings by continuous monitoring of vital signs. Using of sepsis specific screening tools, triage tools help to identify the early signs of sepsis and helps to escalate care and initiate treatment with antibiotics and fluids. Nurse led sepsis interventions leads to better patient outcomes and reduced mortality in patients affected with sepsis. Nurses who work in acute settings have more experience and confidence in recognising the signs of sepsis at the earlier stage. High workload, a shortage of nurses and a lack of sepsis specific education were the main challenges that nurses face in identifying and treating sepsis. The study highlights that enhancing nurse training programs, establishing clear sepsis protocols, and improving interprofessional communication are essential steps to escalate sepsis.
The purpose of this descriptive literature review was to describe the role of nurses in the early identification and treatment of sepsis in acute settings, along with the challenges they face in an acute care environment. The aim was to produce new knowledge and understanding about the importance of early identification of sepsis and treatment, for nurses working in acute care settings. A descriptive literature review was used to analyse the existing literature sought through databases CINAHL and PubMed, selecting 14 primary research articles about sepsis in acute settings, published in the last 10 years. The inductive type of data analysis was employed effectively to answer the research questions and evolve meaningful conclusions.
The findings describe that sepsis can be identified in acute settings by continuous monitoring of vital signs. Using of sepsis specific screening tools, triage tools help to identify the early signs of sepsis and helps to escalate care and initiate treatment with antibiotics and fluids. Nurse led sepsis interventions leads to better patient outcomes and reduced mortality in patients affected with sepsis. Nurses who work in acute settings have more experience and confidence in recognising the signs of sepsis at the earlier stage. High workload, a shortage of nurses and a lack of sepsis specific education were the main challenges that nurses face in identifying and treating sepsis. The study highlights that enhancing nurse training programs, establishing clear sepsis protocols, and improving interprofessional communication are essential steps to escalate sepsis.