The Medical Team

Patient Action to Prevent Sepsis

Purpose: To promote patient identification and self-directed action for onset of signs & symptoms related to sepsis.

Use this guide to help you recognize and report changes to your Homecare Nurse or Physician.

When you recognize and report these symptoms early, you are less likely to be hospitalized for treatment.

The Medical Team

GREEN Zone: / GREEN Zone means
All is well – Good control- No signs and symptoms of decline noted / ○ Continue your prescribed medications
○ Continue with prescribed treatment plan
○ Keep all your physician appointments
Yellow Zone: / Yellow Zone means:
Signs & Symptoms of Infection include new onset of:
v  Weakness or sleeping more than usual
v  Fever, chills, headache or cough
v  Abdominal pain, vomiting, diarrhea, poor appetite
v  Pain or burning with urination or odor to urine
v  Rash, pus like drainage or localized redness
v  Unsteady balance
v  Elevated Blood Sugar levels > 24 hours
v  Rapid increased weight gain / Contact your home care nurse______at ______or your physician. Dr.: ______
Phone: ______
If you have a new onset of any of these symptoms.
RED Zone: Stop and Think / RED Zone Means:
v  Decreased mental status: Confusion or Delirium or inability to stay focused, or disorganized attention
v  Heart Rate >90/minute
v  Temperature > 101°F
v  Systolic Blood Pressure < 100
v  Respirations >20 BPM or difficulty breathing
v  Fall with or without injury / You need to seek emergent care
or call 911

References: Rivers E, Nguyen B, Havstad S, et al. Early goal-directed therapy in the treatment of severe sepsis and septic shock. N Engl J Med 2001; 345(19): 1,368–77.

Sepsis. http://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/sepsis/basics/definition/con-20031900. Retrieved March 22, 2014.

Spotlight on sepsis. J Emerg Med Serv www.jems.com/article/administration-and-leadership/spotlight-sepsis. Retrieved March 22, 2014.