Intensive Care Nursing/Sepsis Scenarios/Medical Sepsis Unfolding Case Study 2

Background and Arrival In The Emergency Department edit

MB is an 87-year-old patient who is brought to the emergency department from a Skilled Nursing Facility (SNF) due to progressing altered mental status and combative behavior over the past 4 days. Patient vomited in the emergency department.

On arrival the patient is connected to the monitor and vital signs are as followed:

Temperature: 38.3 C (101 F)

HR: 99

BP: 80/48

RR: 18

SpO2: 97% @ RA

White Blood Cell count: 16k/microliter


1 The provider in the ED has ordered a fluid bolus on account of their hypotension. Which of the following orders do you also anticipate seeing?

Urine culture
Blood culture
Antibiotics
Purified Protein Derivative (PPD skin test)

2 Which of the vital signs or labs are most concerning to you at this time?

Heart Rate
Oxygen Saturation
Respiratory rate
White Blood Cell count


  1. Medical Sepsis Scenario 2 p2