Evaluation of the knowledge of nursing students regarding sepsis

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the knowledge of undergraduate students in the last year of their nursing program in a Nursing School in the interior of the state of São Paulo, regarding systemic inflammatory response syndrome (SIRS), sepsis, severe sepsis and septic shock. A descriptive quantitative study was developed with the participation of 77 students and the use of an instrument elaborated by the authors and validated in terms of its content and appearance. Participants reported they had little knowledge regarding the theme (58%) and that their nursing program provided little information regarding sepsis (65%). Only 26%, 12%, 19% and 26% respectively were able to recognize symptoms and signs of SIRS, sepsis, severe sepsis and septic shock. Results demonstrated that students have little knowledge regarding sepsis, and this may be related to a deficiency in the graduate course.

Descriptors: Education, Nursing; Knowledge; Sepsis; Shock, Septic.