Concept Map Worksheet

DESCRIBE DISEASE PROCESS AFFECTING PATIENT

(INCLUDE PATHOPHYSIOLOGY OF DISEASE PROCESS)
Sepsis – “a life-threatening organ dysfunction caused by dysregulated host response
to infection” (Gyawali et al., 2019, p. 3). Clinical criteria:
• Altered mental status (Gyawali et al., 2019).
• Hypotension (Gyawali et al., 2019).
• Tachypnea (Gyawali et al., 2019).
Pathophysiology:
• Disruption of the immunological balance of inflammation results in system-
wide release of cytokines, mediators and other related molecules that activate
coagulation (Jarczak et al., 2021).
• The inflammation leads to eventual tissue damage and subsequent organ
dysfunction (Jarczak et al., 2021).
DIAGNOSTIC TESTS PATIENT INFORMATION ANTICIPATED PHYSICAL
(REASON FOR TEST AND • Name: James Daniels FINDINGS
RESULTS) • Age: 30 • Fever
• Blood cultures – to rule out • Sex: Male • Hypotension
bacteremia (would be positive • NKDA • Tachycardia
for bacteria) • Tachypnea
• Urine culture – to rule out UTI, • Pallor
possibly leading to sepsis • Diaphoresis
(would be positive for bacteria) • Extreme fatigue
• CBC – to assess immunologic • General weakness
response (increased WBC) • Dizziness
• Electrolytes – to check • Decreased LOC
hydration status and electrolyte
imbalance (shows dehydration)
• Chest X-ray – to rule out
pneumonia leading to sepsis
(would be positive)
ANTICIPATED NURSING INTERVENTIONS
• Monitoring vital signs frequently/connecting patient to continuous central cardio/resp monitoring
• Starting PIV access
• Administering IV fluid bolus
• Collecting above mentioned blood work/X-ray
• Starting broad-spectrum IV antibiotics
 References

Gyawali, B., Ramakrishna, K., & Dhamoon, A. S. (2019). Sepsis: The evolution in definition,

pathophysiology, and management. SAGE Open Med, 7(1), 1-13.

https://doi.org/10.1177/2050312119835043

Jarczak, D., Kluge, S., & Nierhaus, A. (2021). Sepsis: Pathophysiology and therapeutic concepts.

Frontiers in Medicine, 8(2021). https://doi.org/10.3389/fmed.2021.628302