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Paediatric septic shock retrieval — DipIMC MCQ

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ModerateRetrieval MedicinePaediatric septic shock retrievalDipIMC

A 7-year-old child with septic shock needs transfer from a district hospital to paediatric ICU. The child is on high-flow oxygen, has poor perfusion and two failed peripheral cannulation attempts. What is the most appropriate transport decision?

Educational content. Not a substitute for clinical judgement or local policy.

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Correct answer: E — Arrange retrieval by a paediatric critical care team and establish IO access if needed

A shocked child requires monitored transfer by an appropriately skilled retrieval team, and intra-osseous access is appropriate when IV access fails. Taxi transfer is unsafe for an unstable child. Waiting indefinitely for peripheral access delays resuscitation and retrieval. The pearl is that paediatric physiology can deteriorate rapidly after a period of compensation.

Reference: JRCALC Guidelines 2025; Resuscitation Council UK Paediatric Guidelines 2025