Sepsis Early Recognition & Rapid Response for Nurses (2.0 CE)

Sepsis remains one of the most urgent, life-threatening conditions encountered in healthcare—and rapid, coordinated response is the key to survival. This two-hour course equips nurses with advanced knowledge and clinical reasoning to detect early warning signs, initiate timely interventions, and mobilize rapid response systems to improve outcomes. Emphasis is placed on evidence-based sepsis bundles, interprofessional communication, and post-sepsis care. Through real-world scenarios and reflective questions, nurses will strengthen their confidence in recognizing subtle deterioration, advocating for early escalation, and supporting patients through the continuum of care.

This two-hour continuing education course expands on the principles introduced in Sepsis Early Recognition: Spot & Start by guiding nurses beyond initial recognition into coordinated rapid response and recovery. Participants will review pathophysiology, current Surviving Sepsis Campaign guidelines, and evidence-based practices for fluid resuscitation, antibiotic timing, and hemodynamic monitoring. The course also explores teamwork dynamics, sepsis bundle implementation, patient-family communication, and post-sepsis syndrome. Designed for nurses in all settings—from acute care to long-term and community practice—it provides actionable tools to prevent delays, reduce mortality, and foster sustained improvement in sepsis management.

Completion Requirements
1. Read the entire course.
2. Complete all review questions and 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 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.

Course Outline
1. Understanding Sepsis Pathophysiology
2. Early Recognition in Clinical Practice
3. Sepsis Bundles and Evidence-Based Interventions
4. Rapid Response Activation and Team Communication
5. Post-Sepsis Syndrome and Long-Term Recovery
6. Quality Improvement and Nursing Leadership in Sepsis Care

Learning Objectives
Upon completion of this course, the participant will be able to:
1. Explain the pathophysiology of sepsis and describe the body’s systemic inflammatory response leading to organ dysfunction.
2. Identify early clinical indicators and screening tools that support rapid sepsis recognition in diverse healthcare settings.
3. Apply the elements of evidence-based sepsis bundles, including timely fluid resuscitation, lactate monitoring, and antibiotic administration.
4. Demonstrate effective interprofessional communication strategies to activate rapid response and coordinate care.
5. Describe the nurse’s role in monitoring for deterioration, reassessing interventions, and advocating during escalation of care.
6. Recognize the long-term complications of sepsis and nursing interventions that support recovery and prevent readmission.
7. Integrate patient- and family-centered approaches that improve education, emotional support, and outcomes across the sepsis continuum.