Ask any question about Nursing here... and get an instant response.
Post this Question & Answer:
What is the priority nursing intervention for a patient with suspected sepsis?
Asked on Feb 12, 2026
Answer
In a patient with suspected sepsis, the priority nursing intervention is to ensure prompt recognition and initiation of treatment to prevent progression to severe sepsis or septic shock. This involves immediate assessment of vital signs, particularly temperature, heart rate, respiratory rate, and blood pressure, to identify signs of systemic infection and organ dysfunction.
Example Nursing Steps:
- Step 1 – Perform a thorough assessment, focusing on vital signs and identifying any signs of infection or organ dysfunction.
- Step 2 – Initiate sepsis protocol, which may include obtaining blood cultures and administering broad-spectrum antibiotics as ordered.
- Step 3 – Monitor the patient's response to treatment, reassess vital signs frequently, and document all findings and interventions.
Additional Comment:
- Early recognition and treatment of sepsis are critical to improving patient outcomes.
- Use the ABCs (Airway, Breathing, Circulation) to prioritize interventions, ensuring hemodynamic stability.
- Communicate promptly with the healthcare team to escalate care if the patient's condition worsens.
- Documentation should include all assessments, interventions, and patient responses to treatment.
Recommended Links:
