Sepsis — first-hour actions

1. Measure the lactate and repeat it after resuscitation 2. Draw blood cultures before antibiotics, without delaying them more than a few minutes 3. Give broad-spectrum antibiotics within one hour 4. Start crystalloid resuscitation for hypotension or a lactate above 4 mmol/L 5. Add vasopressors if hypotension persists after fluids; norepinephrine is first line, targeting a mean arterial pressure of 65 mmHg 6. Reassess perfusion: mental status, capillary refill, urine output

Clinical content reviewed by Ducamelle Louis, Registered Nurse