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Sepsis / septic shock — DIPIMC MCQ

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ModerateMedical EmergenciesSepsis / septic shockDIPIMCDipIMC

An elderly man is confused with a fever, a respiratory rate of 26, a heart rate of 120, a blood pressure of 88/50 and mottled peripheries. A urinary source of infection is suspected.

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

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Correct answer: E — Give high-flow oxygen, an intravenous fluid bolus and pre-alert for sepsis

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

This patient has red-flag features of septic shock and needs oxygen, an intravenous fluid bolus and a time-critical transfer with a sepsis pre-alert. Oral fluids with GP referral (A) or withholding fluids (C) under-treats shock, and a beta-blocker (E) would remove the compensatory tachycardia that is maintaining cardiac output. Recognise sepsis early and resuscitate while moving to hospital.

Reference: NICE NG51 sepsis; JRCALC