Nursing care process for people with septic shock in the emergency department

Abstract

Introduction: Septic shock is a medical emergency characterized by a systemic inflammatory response secondary to infection, leading to life-threatening hemodynamic instability. In this context, the Nursing Care Process allows for the scientific application of nursing knowledge to deliver safe and high-quality care.
Objective: To describe the application of the Nursing Care Process in people with septic shock in emergency and critical care settings using the updated NANDA, NOC, and NIC taxonomies.
Methods: A descriptive case study conducted in a hospital emergency service from March to June 2025. The Marjory Gordon functional health patterns model and an electronic clinical record system were used. The process included assessment, diagnosis, planning, implementation, and evaluation based on NANDA (2023–2026), NOC, and NIC.
Results: Priority diagnoses included ineffective tissue perfusion, risk for shock, and fluid volume imbalance. Nursing interventions focused on hemodynamic control, fluid therapy, and continuous monitoring achieved stabilization of vital signs and clinical improvement.
Conclusions: The application of the Nursing Care Process supported evidence-based clinical decision-making, contributing to patient recovery and reinforcing professional nursing practice in critical scenarios.