Improving Recognition of Abnormal Vital Signs: A Key Area of Intervention for Earlier Sepsis Diagnosis and Management

Abstract

Sepsis is one of the leading causes of hospital admissions of skilled nursing facility residents and is associated with poor outcomes. Prompt recognition and timely treatment is essential. A key component of early sepsis recognition is the nursing assessment. Hence, it is essential that certified nursing assistants (CNAs) and registered nurses (RN) are able to identify abnormal vital signs (VS) and understand the standard definitions of sepsis and recommendations for initial management.