Nursing Care for Adults with Sepsis in the Emergency Department: Evidence-Based Approaches and Critical Nursing Roles

Abstract

Sepsis is a life-threatening medical emergency with high morbidity and mortality, particularly when recognition and treatment are delayed. Disease progression may lead to septic shock and multiple organ dysfunction, resulting in poor clinical outcomes and reduced quality of life. Survivors may experience physical impairment, decreased functional ability, and greater dependence on others. The emergency department (ED) is a key setting for the early identification and management of sepsis. As the first point of care, the ED plays an important role in screening, diagnosis, and timely treatment. Emergency nurses are essential in recognizing early signs of sepsis, monitoring physiological changes, and supporting treatment in collaboration with multidisciplinary healthcare teams. Current evidence highlights the importance of initiating sepsis management within the first hour of recognition, particularly in older adults, to improve survival and reduce complications. This article presents evidence-based nursing approaches for the care of patients with sepsis in the emergency department. The discussion includes patient assessment, recognition of physiological deterioration, physical examination and screening tools, guideline-based interventions, monitoring for treatment-related complications, ongoing evaluation, and patient safety considerations. These approaches aim to support emergency nurses in providing timely, effective, and high-quality care while improving patient outcomes in emergency settings.