Mastering Sepsis Resuscitation: Hemodynamics, Lactate Trends, and Fluid Reassessment Made Simple

Course Info

Author: NIHE Faculty
Target Audience: RN, APRN, LPN/LVN
Contact Hours: 2.0
Course Created On: December 11, 2025
Course Expires On: December 10, 2027

COURSE SUMMARY

Early recognition and timely intervention remain the cornerstone of sepsis care. For nurses, understanding hemodynamics, lactate interpretation, and fluid responsiveness is essential for guiding resuscitation and preventing organ dysfunction. This course explores the clinical meaning behind lactate levels, how to apply evidence-based fluid strategies, and how to document the required post-fluid reassessment note with clarity and confidence. Nurses will learn practical techniques grounded in bedside assessment, supported by sepsis guidelines, and aligned with the needs of real CA practice environments.

COURSE DESCRIPTION

Sepsis continues to challenge clinicians across acute and critical care settings. While protocols such as SEP-1 outline measurable steps, nurses are the ones who bring these measures to life through timely assessment, early intervention, and thoughtful documentation.

This course provides an engaging, clinically focused exploration of hemodynamics, lactate (initial and repeat), and fluid resuscitation, including when the standard 30 mL/kg bolus is appropriate—and when it may be harmful. Learners will gain insight into interpreting perfusion markers, assessing fluid responsiveness, and writing a compliant, accurate reassessment note. Case examples, decision pathways, and practical templates support nurses in delivering high-quality, evidence-based care.

COMPLETION REQUIREMENTS

Read the entire course.
Complete all Review the Concept questions and the course evaluation.

DISCLOSURE OF CONFLICTS OF INTEREST AND RELEVANT FINANCIAL RELATIONSHIPS

Neither National Institute for Healthcare Education nor any authors, planners, content experts, or contributors have any relevant financial relationships with ineligible companies to disclose.

ACCREDITATION STATEMENT

National Institute for Healthcare Education is approved by the California Board of Registered Nursing, Provider #13886, for nursing continuing education credit.

DISCLAIMER

The information provided in this course is for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for the independent medical judgment of a healthcare provider in considering diagnosis and treatment options for a particular patient’s medical condition. Copyright © 2025. All rights reserved. No part of the materials may be reproduced without the express written consent of TopNurseCE.com Professional Educational Institution. The content of this course is intended to provide general information on the topics covered. This information has been prepared by experts with practical experience in the subject matter. This should not be considered medical, legal, or professional advice. TopNurseCE.com recommends that individuals contact a licensed medical, legal, or professional provider in their respective state. While TopNurseCE.com uses reasonable efforts to ensure that all content provided in this course is accurate and current at the time of publication, TopNurseCE.com makes no representations as to its applicability to your particular situation. No guarantees are given and reliance on them does not constitute liability. Testimonials are collected from feedback surveys submitted by customers. The model presented is for representation purposes and is not intended for actual customers.

LEARNING OBJECTIVES

After completing this activity, the learner will be able to:

1. Explain the relationship between mean arterial pressure, perfusion, and organ dysfunction in sepsis.
2. Interpret elevated lactate values and identify when repeat lactates are clinically necessary.
3. Apply evidence-based principles behind the 30 mL/kg fluid bolus and determine when exceptions may be appropriate.
4. Perform and document a compliant post-fluid resuscitation reassessment using standardized templates.
5. Use clinical reasoning to evaluate fluid responsiveness across a variety of patient populations.
6. Integrate sepsis hemodynamic principles into real-world scenarios consistent with California RN practice.

COURSE OUTLINE

1. Hemodynamics in Sepsis: MAP, Perfusion & Shock Physiology
2. Lactate Interpretation: Initial & Repeat Values
3. 30 mL/kg Fluid Strategy: Evidence, Application & Exceptions
4. Reassessment After Fluids: What to Examine and Document
5. The Fluid Reassessment Note: Three Templates
6. Clinical Scenarios: ED & Inpatient Mixed Practice
7. Review the Concept Questions (35 total)
8. Course Evaluation
9. APA Reference List