Sepsis shock — DipIMC MCQ

Correct answer: E — Give oxygen, fluid resuscitation and pre-alert for sepsis

Explanation lettering: E = shown as A · C = shown as B · D = shown as C · A = shown as D · B = shown as E

B is correct: Sepsis with hypotension and hypoxia requires immediate supportive care and pre-alert for time-critical antibiotics. A is less suitable because it moves the patient before the decisive threat or destination issue is addressed; C is less suitable because a detailed survey is inappropriate before correcting an immediate threat; D is less suitable because it does not address the discriminator in the vignette; E is less suitable because it does not address the discriminator in the vignette. The most tempting alternative is therefore suboptimal because it either delays the time-critical pre-hospital intervention or sends the patient to the wrong level of care. The key DipIMC principle is focused cABCDE decision-making with early pre-alert, triage or retrieval escalation when the scene physiology demands it.

Reference: JRCALC Guidelines; Resuscitation Council UK; NICE guidance where applicable