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Professional Development

Suspected Sepsis: Early Signs and Urgent Reporting

Sepsis is the body's extreme, life-threatening response to an infection — a time-critical emergency where minutes decide survival. Learn what sepsis is and why it always starts with an infection, recognize its early warning signs (especially the quiet ones in elders — new confusion, weakness, "not themselves"), and report suspected sepsis immediately and urgently. CNAs prevent, recognize, report fast, advocate, and support — they do not diagnose, score, or treat. Recognize early, report immediately.

1h1 Online CE hourintermediateCAL ACE Faculty

Overview

Sepsis is the body's extreme, life-threatening response to an infection — a time-critical emergency where minutes decide survival. Learn what sepsis is and why it always starts with an infection, recognize its early warning signs (especially the quiet ones in elders — new confusion, weakness, "not themselves"), and report suspected sepsis immediately and urgently. CNAs prevent, recognize, report fast, advocate, and support — they do not diagnose, score, or treat. Recognize early, report immediately.

Course curriculum

What you'll learn

A structured path from your first lesson through certificate-ready completion — designed for busy California CNAs.

1h
3 modules
12 lessons
1 Online CE hour

Skills & knowledge gained

  • Understand what sepsis is and why minutes matter — a time-critical emergency
  • Connect sepsis to the infections that cause it (UTI, pneumonia, wounds, skin)
  • Recognize the early warning signs of sepsis, including the subtle ones in elders
  • Report suspected sepsis immediately and urgently, naming the concern
  • Advocate when brushed off, support the response, and stay within CNA scope

Your learning path

  1. What Sepsis Is & Why Minutes Matter

    4 lessons · ~20 min

  2. Recognizing Sepsis & Its Causes

    4 lessons · ~20 min

  3. Reporting, Advocacy, and Application

    4 lessons · ~20 min

  4. Certificate of completion

    Pass the final exam and active participation requirements to earn your CE certificate.

Module breakdown

Module 1

What Sepsis Is & Why Minutes Matter

  • Introduction
  • Terms & Definitions
  • Statistics
  • Fundamentals

Module 2

Recognizing Sepsis & Its Causes

  • Signs & Symptoms
  • Causes
  • The CNA's Role Around Sepsis Treatment
  • Prevention

Module 3

Reporting, Advocacy, and Application

  • Recognizing Sepsis & Reporting Immediately
  • CNA's Role in Care
  • Brief Case Study
  • Conclusion

Course outline

Module 1: What Sepsis Is & Why Minutes Matter

  1. 1. Introduction5 min
  2. 2. Terms & Definitions5 min
  3. 3. Statistics5 min
  4. 4. Fundamentals5 min

Module 2: Recognizing Sepsis & Its Causes

  1. 1. Signs & Symptoms5 min
  2. 2. Causes5 min
  3. 3. The CNA's Role Around Sepsis Treatment5 min
  4. 4. Prevention5 min

Module 3: Reporting, Advocacy, and Application

  1. 1. Recognizing Sepsis & Reporting Immediately5 min
  2. 2. CNA's Role in Care5 min
  3. 3. Brief Case Study5 min
  4. 4. Conclusion5 min

Provider & completion requirements

Provider: CAL ACE Nursing Academy

CAL ACE Nursing Academy · support@cna.school · (408) 256-0763

To earn your certificate

  • Sign in with your learner account
  • Complete interactive lesson content (60 minutes active participation for 1 Online CE hour)
  • Pass the final course exam
  • Submit the learner attestation before your certificate is issued

Support: support@cna.school

Free

Full course & certificate included

Not enrolled