Final answer:
A urine output of 0.5 mL/kg/hr is typically considered adequate for fluid resuscitation in sepsis. The mentioned urine output of 0.2 mL/kg/hr would not be adequate, suggesting the need for further intervention to prevent complications such as renal failure and circulatory shock.
Step-by-step explanation:
The nurse is caring for a patient newly diagnosed with sepsis, who has a serum lactate level of 6 mmol/L, and has begun fluid resuscitation. One of the indicators of adequate fluid resuscitation in sepsis is urine output. Adequate urine output suggests effective renal perfusion and function, and can imply that other organs are also receiving enough blood flow. The minimum level of urine production necessary to maintain normal function is about 0.47 liters (0.5 quarts) per day. In critical situations such as sepsis, where fluid balance and kidney function are of heightened concern, a urine output of at least 0.5 mL/kg/hr is typically considered the threshold for adequacy of fluid resuscitation.
A urine output of 0.2 mL/kg/hr, as mentioned in the question, would not be considered adequate and would indicate that further intervention might be necessary to prevent renal failure and improve patient outcomes. Crucially, in septic patients, low urine output can indicate inadequate fluid resuscitation and the risk of progression to circulatory shock, which can be life-threatening unless promptly addressed.