Sepsis is a syndrome caused by systemic inflammatory response of the individual in an uncontrolled way with an infection. When there is delay in diagnosis, the clinical picture of a patient can worsen rapidly. Typically signs of sepsis manifest with nonspecific and subtle changes in vital signs such as tachypnea, tachycardia, or fever. Sepsis is the leading cause of non-cardiac related intensive care unit mortalities due to the multiple organ dysfunctions that can occur from sepsis (Saggy, 2013). It is estimated that ten percent of intensive care unit beds comprise of septic patients. 18 million new cases of severe sepsis are diagnosed each year worldwide with an estimated increase of one percent yearly. Given the alarming numbers of sepsis patients and the subtle changes that may indicate sepsis it is clear that a nurse with constant contact with the patient has a responsibility to aid in the reduction of sepsis by recognizing potential sepsis. Care can then be coordinated and actions implemented aimed at promoting the prevention of this syndrome as well as improving the prognosis.
Purpose and Research Questions:.
Sepsis is a condition that could potentially be prevented if a nurse was equipped with the knowledge and science in order to recognize and prevent its development, and addressing the condition appropriately upon the first signs of symptoms of sepsis. The study discussed has the objective of establishing the knowledge and understanding of nurses with relation to sepsis, identifying triggers of sepsis, and the potential nursing care that can be implemented to prevent sepsis from potentially occurring. By better understanding the potential gap regarding the subject of sepsis in nursing and closing this gap through the expansion of knowledge on the subject and the mechanism of prevention it could potentially reduce patients affected by this deadly diagnosis. The author established a purpose for the study It was clearly stated to ascertain the understanding of the nurses in regards to sepsis, it's recognition, triggers, and prevention.
