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Sepsis Recognition — NCLEX Cheat Sheet

Infection + organ dysfunction

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👤 By the CinnaRN Clinical Content Team 🕐 Updated 2026-07-11 🏷️ Physiological Adaptation 🔖 Free to read, print, and share

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Use this quick-reference guide to spot, treat, and prevent Sepsis Recognition on the NCLEX. Keep it handy during review and on exam day!

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Early

Key facts

Fever, ↑ HR, ↑ RR, ↑ WBC
Warm flushed skin, confusion
↑ lactate = tissue hypoperfusion

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Late

Key facts

↓ BP, cold clammy, ↓ urine
Septic shock, multi-organ failure

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Bundle

Key facts

Cultures BEFORE broad-spectrum abx
Lactate, IV fluids 30 mL/kg
Vasopressors if MAP < 65

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Quick Tip

Early sepsis often shows fever or hypothermia, tachycardia, tachypnea, and new altered mental status (confusion is an early subtle clue, especially in older adults).

📖 Related Topics

Hypokalemia Hyperkalemia Hyponatremia Heart Failure

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