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Paediatric septic shock peri-arrest — DipIMC MCQ

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HardResuscitationPaediatric septic shock peri-arrestDipIMC

A 3-year-old with fever is drowsy, mottled and breathing rapidly. Capillary refill is 5 seconds, pulse 178/min, systolic blood pressure 62 mmHg, SpO2 94% on oxygen, and blood glucose is 3.8 mmol/L. What is the most appropriate immediate action?

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Correct answer: A — Give cautious isotonic fluid boluses with frequent reassessment and urgent transfer

This child has decompensated septic shock and needs oxygen, vascular access, cautious isotonic boluses and urgent conveyance. Tachypnoea alone is not a reason to avoid resuscitation, but reassessment is crucial to detect fluid overload. Oral fluids are unsafe in a drowsy shocked child.

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