Description

The occurrence of sepsis in the human body is as old as man. The ancient Greeks described sepsis as the decomposition of organic material in the body. Patients were treated with supportive care; however, many people died painful deaths. An understanding of the pathophysiology of this complex phenomenon remained elusive. Then, in 1991, the first conference of medical scientists convened to better define the characteristics of this deadly disease. Though there is no gold standard definition of sepsis, continuing advances in basic science will contribute to the evolving knowledge of sepsis.

Learning Outcome:
After completing this learning activity the learner will have increased knowledge of sepsis, monitoring of the septic patient, and the tools that can be used to assess for sepsis on the medical-surgical unit.

Learning Engagement Activity:
Respond to the following self-assessment questions:

• Does your organization have a protocol in place to monitor the patient at risk for sepsis on the medical-surgical unit?
• Can you list the SOFA criteria outlined in this learning activity?

Contact hours available until 6/30/2020.

Requirements for Successful Completion:
Complete the learning activity in its entirety and complete the online CNE evaluation.

Authors Conflict of Interest Disclosure:
The author(s), editor, editorial committee, content reviewers, and education director reported no actual or potential conflict of interest in relation to this continuing nursing education article.

Commercial Support and Sponsorship:
No commercial support or sponsorship declared.

Accreditation Statement:
This educational activity is jointly provided by Anthony J. Jannetti, Inc. (AJJ) and AMSN.

Anthony J. Jannetti, Inc. is accredited as a provider of continuing nursing education by the American Nurses Credentialing Center’s Commission on Accreditation (ANCC-COA)

Anthony J. Jannetti, Inc. is a provider approved by the California Board of Registered nursing, Provider Number, CEP 5387.

This article was reviewed and formatted for contact hour credit by Rosemarie Marmion, MSN, RN-BC, NE-BC, AMSN Education Director.