Medication Therapy for Early-Onset Neonatal Sepsis

Activity Summary

Suspected sepsis is a common cause of morbidity and mortality in neonates. In a population-based surveillance study from 2005 to 2008, researchers estimated that 3300 cases of early-onset sepsis (EOS) occur in the United States each year, with 390 of these cases resulting in death. The risk is highest in preterm neonates, which account for 1570 of the 3300 cases and 360 deaths. Despite its prevalence, though, identifying patients with sepsis, determining causative organisms, and establishing a length of treatment remain a challenge for health care practitioners.

Objectives

List the organisms most commonly associated with early-onset sepsis in neonates.
Explain how gestational age can be used to determine hemodynamic goals.
Discuss the laboratory values that can aid in the diagnosis of early-onset sepsis and the limitations associated with each.

Continuing Education Disclosure Statement

Successful Completion

Learners must attend/view/read the entire activity and complete the associated evaluation to be awarded the contact hours or CERP. No partial credit will be awarded.

Disclosure

This activity has been reviewed by the Nurse Planner. It has been determined that the material presented here shows no bias. Approval of a continuing education activity does not imply endorsement by AACN or ANCC of any commercial products displayed or discussed in conjunction with the activity.

Accreditation

The American Association of Critical-Care Nurses (AACN) is accredited as a provider of continuing nursing education by the American Nurses Credentialing Center’s (ANCC's) Commission on Accreditation, ANCC Provider Number 0012 (60 min contact hour). AACN has been approved as a provider of continuing education in nursing by the California State Board of Nursing, California Provider number CEP01036 for 1.2 contact hours (50 min contact hour).

AACN programming meets the standards for most states that require mandatory continuing education contact hours for license and/or certification renewal. AACN recommends consulting with your state board of nursing or credentialing organization before submitting CE to fulfill continuing education requirements.