The Conundrum of Maternal Sepsis: A Devastating Complication

Webinar Description:  

Sepsis is one of the main causes of maternal mortality and morbidity in the United States and worldwide. The WHO consensus definition from 2016 states, “maternal sepsis is a life-threatening condition defined as organ dysfunction resulting from infection during pregnancy, child-birth, post-abortion or post-partum period”. This session will review the unique physiology during pregnancy, as well as the challenges to identify and manage maternal sepsis. The personal experience of a maternal sepsis survivor will be shared.

This course was originally recorded on 5/29/2018.

Target Audience

Nurses, physician assistants, physicians, emergency responders, physical therapists, patient care assistants, and other healthcare staff

Learning Objectives

At the end of the course, the learner should be able to:

  • Define maternal sepsis.
  • Describe physiologic changes during pregnancy as related to sepsis.
  • List sources of infection & identify the risk factors for maternal sepsis.
  • Explain key challenges related to identification and treatment of maternal sepsis. 
  • Restate screening and protocols specific to maternal sepsis.
  • Review the experience of the maternal sepsis survivor.

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Course summary
Available credit: 
  • 1.25 Participation
  • 1.60 RN CE Contact Hours
    Provider approved by the California Board of Registered Nursing, Provider Number CEP17068.
Course opens: 
09/21/2019
Course expires: 
01/17/2023

imageAngela Graf, BSN, MSN, NP

Director of Clinical Excellence, St. Joseph Health Queen of the Valley

Angela is a professional nurse leader with more than 17 years of nursing experience and more than 10 years in nursing and quality leadership roles. She has created and implemented successful quality and performance initiatives. These have a lasting impact on the lives of patients and caregivers and have the added benefit to improve the hospitals economic livelihood and community reputation.

 

Maile Le Boeuf

Maternal Sepsis Survivor

In June 2015, Maile admitted herself to the ER. She stopped breathing and was placed in a medically induced coma for two weeks. When she awoke, she learned she had just survived sepsis, which she had never heard of before. The source was an undetected strep infection contracted in childbirth nine days earlier. Her true battle began after waking to blackened limbs and immense long-term complications.

Maile was a recipient of the 2019 Sepsis Heroes award. Read more about her story here.

Sepsis Alliance is approved by the California Board of Registered Nursing, Provider Number CEP17068 for 1.6 contact hours.

Other healthcare providers will receive a certificate of attendance for 1.25 contact hours.

Medical Disclaimer

The information on or available through this site is intended for educational purposes only. Sepsis Alliance does not represent or guarantee that information on or available through this site is applicable to any specific patient’s care or treatment. The educational content on or available through this site does not constitute medical advice from a physician and is not to be used as a substitute for treatment or advice from a practicing physician or other healthcare provider. Sepsis Alliance recommends users consult their physician or healthcare provider regarding any questions about whether the information on or available through this site might apply to their individual treatment or care.

Available Credit

  • 1.25 Participation
  • 1.60 RN CE Contact Hours
    Provider approved by the California Board of Registered Nursing, Provider Number CEP17068.
Please login or register to take this course.

This activity includes:

  • Pre-test
  • Pre-recorded webinar
  • Post-test (80% passing rate)
  • Evaluation

All components must be completed to earn a certificate of attendance. This course can be completed at your convenience.