Septic Shock

Pathway Background and Objectives

Sepsis is a leading cause of death among children. Survivors of sepsis may have long term sequelae. The World Health Organization calls for improvement in prevention, diagnosis, and management of sepsis. In 2024, the Society of Critical Care Medicine (SCCM) compiled new criteria for sepsis and septic shock specifically for the pediatric population based on the Phoenix Sepsis Score. The goals of shock management include the balance between decreasing oxygen demand (e.g., controlling infection, fever, and reducing agitation and work of breathing) and increasing oxygen delivery (e.g., improving oxygen saturation and hemoglobin, and administering fluids and vasoactive agents).

The objectives of this pathway are to:

  • Standardize the approach in caring for patients with sepsis and septic shock
  • Improve the early recognition of sepsis
  • Treat sepsis early and rapidly with timely administration of antibiotics and fluid resuscitation
  • Standardize the supportive care of patients with sepsis 

     

Algorithm   Educational Module  Nursing Septic Shock Card

  • Use of General Sepsis or Septic Shock Order Set
  • Initiation of first fluid bolus within 10 minutes of IV/IO access
  • Initiation of Antibiotics within 60 minutes of MD order
  • Antibiotics prescribed per pathway
  • Mortality

The clinical pathways in the above links have been developed specifically for use at Connecticut Children’s and are made available publicly for informational and/or educational purposes only. The clinical pathways are not intended to be, nor are they, a substitute for individualized professional medical judgment, advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Although Connecticut Children’s makes all efforts to ensure the accuracy of the posted content, Connecticut Children’s makes no warranty of any kind as to the accuracy or completeness of the information or its fitness for use at any particular facility or in any individual case.