Sepsis recognition — DipIMC MCQ

Correct answer: A — Give oxygen, obtain observations, consider sepsis and pre-alert for urgent hospital assessment

Give oxygen, obtain observations, consider sepsis and pre-alert for urgent hospital assessment is the best answer because confusion, tachypnoea and hypotension in suspected infection indicate high-risk sepsis. Provide reassurance and reassess after transport is less appropriate because reassurance is inadequate for an evolving major trauma problem; Give unrestricted crystalloid to normalise blood pressure is less appropriate because over-resuscitation can worsen bleeding when haemorrhage is uncontrolled. Immobilise every joint and delay departure for a detailed examination and Use oral analgesia as the main treatment are also suboptimal because they move attention away from the key pre-hospital priority.. The key DipIMC principle is to treat immediate reversible threats, communicate clearly and move the patient toward the right definitive care.

Reference: JRCALC Guidelines; NICE Sepsis NG51