Management of a patient with severe sepsis.

Severe sepsis and septic shock affect more than 700,000 people annually and represent approximately $17 billion annually in health care costs. Mortality in patients with 3 or more failed organs is up to 70%. Early identification and prevention of severe sepsis and septic shock are key factors in impacting mortality rates. Health care providers must be knowledgeable in early identification and aggressive management. This case presentation outlines the components of care identified in the literature in the early and ongoing management of patients with severe sepsis and septic shock.