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Sepsis — DIPIMC MCQ

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HardMedical EmergenciesSepsisDIPIMCDipIMC

A 70-year-old has a fever and new confusion. The respiratory rate is 26, the heart rate is 118 and the blood pressure is 92/58. The skin is mottled, and there is a history of recent urinary symptoms.

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Correct answer: B — Treat as high-risk sepsis with oxygen if needed, intravenous access, fluids and a pre-alerted transfer.

New confusion with tachypnoea, tachycardia, hypotension and mottling in an older patient with a likely source meets high-risk criteria under NICE NG51, requiring urgent recognition, oxygen as needed, intravenous access, fluids and a pre-alerted transfer. Treating this as a minor illness risks rapid deterioration. The overall pattern of physiology, rather than a single value, defines the risk.

Reference: NICE NG51 (Sepsis)