Assessment and management of the septic patient: part 1

Sepsis has gained increasing publicity in recent years, and is now a strong focus of clinical education and training following the launch of the 'Surviving Sepsis' campaign. The assessment and management of a septic patient are far from simple and requires a systematic approach in both identifying and managing the condition. This two-part series explores the assessment and management of a septic patient, with this article emphasising the need to identify the signs and symptoms of sepsis at the early stages if positive patient outcomes are to be realised. The ABCDE approach to patient assessment is explored in the context of sepsis, as this approach can ensure the nurse will identify sepsis as opposed to the basic method of only performing vital observations.