Critical Bytes - Sepsis and DIC

Course overview

Life-threatening systemic collapse in critically ill patients can occur from conditions such as necrotising fasciitis and disseminated intravascular coagulopathy (DIC). Rapid recognition and urgent escalation is required to prevent catastrophic outcomes.

This critical bytes session, builds on the patient case study intruduced in session one - Wounds in the critically ill patient, following the progression from impaired wound healing to severe infection and coagulopathy. The webinar focuses on recognising subtle early warning signs, understanding why these conditions are often missed, and clarifying the nurse's role in rapid escalation and patient advocacy.

Course outline

With an emphasis on timely recognition, escalation and nursing actions that influence outcomes. This webinar will integrate poll questions into the clinical case with live discussion during the webinar exploring:

• the pathophysiology of necrotising fasciitis in the critically ill patient
• early and late clinical features that differentiate it from uncomplicated wound infection
• recognising pain, tissue changes and systemic signs that warrant urgent escalation
• an overview of DIC in the context of severe infection and sepsis
• clinical and laboratory indicators of evolving coagulopathy
• nursing priorities during rapid deterioration, including communication and escalation
• applying clinical reasoning to a deteriorating patient case study

Attending this session will support your clinical decision making to escalate appropriately and contribute to early intervention in rapidly deteriorating patients - skills that are critical to patient safety and professional nursing practice.

This session will be delivered as a live webinar with interactive poll questions, and the opportunity to interact with the expert presenters via chat and live Q&A. On demand access is available for all participants who enrol in the course or those unable to attend the live session.