Sepsis Early Recognition: Spot & Start (1.0 CE)

Sepsis can become deadly in hours. This one-hour CE course empowers nurses to recognize early warning signs, start timely interventions, and communicate effectively using sepsis bundles and SBAR to improve survival.

Sepsis is a life-threatening medical emergency that develops when infection triggers a dysregulated response in the body, leading to organ dysfunction and possible shock. Nurses are often the first to see the subtle cues that signal something is wrong. Early recognition and rapid intervention save lives.

This one-hour course translates sepsis guidelines into practical bedside nursing actions. You will review definitions and screening tools, learn how to identify early clinical cues, and understand which actions to begin immediately. Through realistic case examples and a focus on communication, this course helps you become a confident advocate for early detection and treatment of sepsis in any setting.

Completion Requirements
Read the entire course.
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

Sepsis Early Recognition: Spot & Start (1.0 CE)

1. Introduction – Understanding Sepsis and Why Early Recognition Matters
   • Definition and impact of sepsis
   • The critical importance of early detection and rapid intervention
   • The nurse’s role in improving survival
2. Recognizing Early Clinical Cues of Sepsis
   • Common vital sign and perfusion changes
   • Laboratory markers and screening tools (SIRS, qSOFA, NEWS)
   • Trusting nursing intuition and when to escalate concerns
3. The “Spot & Start” Approach — Immediate Nursing Actions
   • The two-step method: Spot early, Start treatment
   • Nurse-initiated actions (oxygen, IV access, lactate, cultures, fluids, antibiotics)
   • Importance of documenting “time zero” and following the sepsis bundle
4. Communication and Collaboration — Using SBAR to Escalate Care
   • Structured communication for rapid response
   • Team coordination across nursing, providers, pharmacy, and lab
   • Building confidence in early escalation and advocacy
5. Preventing Delays and Building a Culture of Early Action
   • Overcoming barriers to timely care
   • Empowering nurses through education and protocols
   • Creating a unit-wide culture of vigilance and safety
6. Conclusion — Every Minute Matters
   • Key takeaways from the Spot & Start approach
   • Reinforcing the nurse’s role in saving lives
   • Encouragement for ongoing vigilance and teamwork

Learning Objectives
By the end of this 1-hour CE course, participants will be able to:

1. Define sepsis and explain why early recognition within the first hour improves survival.
2. Identify at least five early clinical cues that should trigger a sepsis screen or escalation.
3. Describe nurse-initiated actions that form the “Spot & Start” approach to early sepsis management.
4. Apply SBAR communication to escalate care and document the time of recognition (“time zero”).
5. Summarize strategies to prevent delays in treatment and improve outcomes.