Could it be sepsis – clinical update

Course overview 

Sepsis is a leading cause of death and long-term disability in Australia. Early recognition, timely escalation and appropriate management can make a critical difference to patient outcomes. 

This case-based clinical update follows a previously well patient from first presentation through hospitalisation to recovery. It uses the case to review the recognition of clinical deterioration and the practical management of sepsis and septic shock, with reference to the 2026 Surviving Sepsis Campaign international guidelines and the Australian Sepsis Clinical Care Standard, drawing together the priorities relevant to pre-hospital and hospital clinicians. 

Working through an evolving patient presentation, you will assess clinical information, identify risk factors and signs of deterioration, determine when sepsis should be suspected, and consider appropriate escalation and initial management priorities. 

What you will learn 

• Recognition of clinical deterioration and red flags: the non-specific early features of sepsis, the use of early warning scores and the “could it be sepsis” prompt.
• Time-critical management: blood cultures, antimicrobial recommendations, updates to haemodynamic management - fluids vs vasopressors.
• Markers of septic shock and treatment response: lactate, capillary refill, blood pressure and oxygenation targets.
• Rehabilitation and recovery: the impact of post sepsis syndrome, and the primary care role in survivorship and care transitions. 

Why this course is important 

Sepsis does not always present in an obvious or predictable way. Early symptoms can be non-specific, presentations vary between patients, and deterioration can occur rapidly. 

Recognising sepsis requires more than knowing a list of signs and symptoms to recognise when infection may be becoming life-threatening and determine what needs to happen next. 

This 30 minute case-based activity provides an opportunity to apply these skills to a realistic, evolving patient presentation and practise clinical decision-making at key points in their care. 

Learning objectives 

• Recognise clinical features, risk factors and patterns of deterioration that may indicate sepsis in an evolving patient presentation. 
• Apply a structured assessment approach to interpret clinical findings and identify when sepsis should be suspected and escalated. 
• Determine appropriate time critical treatment recommendations for a patient with suspected sepsis, based on current evidence and clinical findings.
• Identify the features of post-sepsis syndrome and describe coordinated follow-up, rehabilitation.  

Testimonials 

"Extremely informative and very relevant. I think all Nursing staff need to be aware of the seriousness of sepsis and how important early recognition and treatment is for our patients" 

"The program was an excellent introduction to the topic of sepsis and has certainly increased my knowledge of the subject."