We gave an in-service to the nursing staff regarding early recognition of the signs and symptoms of sepsis ("Diagnosis: Sepsis! - Are you Ready?") During the in-service, we stressed how important it was for nurses to recognize and intervene when there is a high level of nursing concern for a patient that may be septic and might require immediate attention in order to start aggressive resuscitative efforts.
While reading the medical record of a patient who was currently on telemetry/stepdown, I was so impressed to read the charting of two nurses; Jackie Thomas and Mary Markose who took care of this patient while he was on the unit. The patient showed extremely concerning signs of sepsis, including high heart rate, elevated temperature, and elevated lab values. The charting reflected the close watch Jackie gave the patient and her efforts to keep the GU team aware of her concerns. Mary's charting reflected that she recognized the progressive deterioration of the patient, and subsequently called a rapid response shortly after coming on shift.
The patient was transferred to MICU, where he was treated for his infections, and then transferred to telemetry/stepdown. Because of the efforts of these two individuals, this patient had a good outcome and was discharged soon after.