Nurses’ Knowledge and Management of Sepsis in Intensive Care Units at University College Hospital, Ibadan

Background: Sepsis is a life-threatening emergency with time-dependent management requirements. Nurse knowledge and implementation of sepsis bundles are critical to reducing mortality in intensive care settings. Aim: This study assessed nurses' knowledge and management of sepsis in intensive care units at University College Hospital, Ibadan, South West Nigeria. Methods: A descriptive cross-sectional design recruited 55 nurses from ICU and high dependency units through total enumeration. A validated Sepsis Knowledge Assessment Tool and a clinical practice observation protocol were used. Data were analysed using SPSS version 27. Results: Adequate sepsis knowledge was demonstrated by 64% of ICU nurses. Implementation of the Surviving Sepsis Campaign 1-hour bundle was observed in only 49% of eligible cases. The most commonly omitted bundle elements were lactate measurement and blood culture collection before antibiotic administration. ICU experience beyond three years was positively associated with bundle compliance. Conclusion: Sepsis bundle compliance requires strengthening through protocol reinforcement, simulation training, and interdisciplinary sepsis response teams. The study underscores the need for standardised sepsis management protocols in Nigerian intensive care units. Keywords: sepsis, ICU nursing, sepsis bundle, Ibadan, critical care.