Date of Graduation

Summer 8-17-2018

Document Access

Project/Capstone - Global access

Degree Name

Master of Science in Nursing (MSN)

College/School

School of Nursing and Health Professions

First Advisor

Carlee Balzaretti

Abstract

Early Recognition of Severe Sepsis Presentation: A Quality Improvement Project

Abstract

Sepsis is a medical emergency. If not treated immediately a patient may quickly progress

to severe sepsis, septic shock and eventually death. The early recognition of severe sepsis

presentation project is an evidence based project for the medical-surgical floor to decrease the

amount of time from early signs of sepsis to treatment of sepsis.

In October 2017, the average hospital compliance for the severe sepsis bundle for the

fiscal year decreased from 80% down to 55%. Further review showed the decrease in

compliance was from the medical-surgical floor nursing staff not notifying physicians when

patients showed signs of sepsis. This microsystem needed to have changes developed and

implemented to assist the staff with an improved way for recognition of the early signs of sepsis

for patients on this unit. Interventions for nursing staff were needed to increase education

through repetitive reminders. If the staff had additional sepsis information, with a focus on

improving patient care, staff would be more engaged and willing to change current practices. An

expectation is that the hospital will have bundle results consistently at a minimum of 80% every

month. The conclusion is that by continuing to increase knowledge of sepsis to staff, they will

contact the physician immediately when a patient begins showing signs and symptoms.

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