TL;DR
Study the recognition, pathophysiology, and emergency management of sepsis and common infectious diseases. Early sepsis identification dramatically improves survival and is a critical paramedic competency.
Free Sepsis & Infectious Disease Practice Questions
NREMT Paramedic Certification · Medical / OB / GYN (Advanced)
This module covers Sepsis & Infectious Disease as part of the Medical / OB / GYN (Advanced) section, testing your understanding of core concepts and their practical application.
| Exam | NREMT Paramedic Certification |
| Pass Rate | 67% |
| Duration | 150 minutes |
| Module | Sepsis & Infectious Disease |
Why Sepsis & Infectious Disease matters
Sepsis & Infectious Disease is a commonly tested topic on the NREMT Paramedic Certification because it covers fundamental knowledge required for competent professional practice.
Sample Practice Questions (5)
1. A patient with a known urinary tract infection presents with fever (102.5°F), heart rate of 110, respiratory rate of 24, and confusion. You suspect sepsis. What is the MOST important initial prehospital intervention?
- Establish IV access and begin a fluid bolus of 30 mL/kg isotonic crystalloid
- Administer broad-spectrum antibiotics in the field
- Apply cold packs to reduce the fever before transport
- Administer a vasopressor immediately to support blood pressure
2. During fluid resuscitation of a septic patient, which of the following is the recommended initial volume and type of fluid per the Surviving Sepsis Campaign?
- 30 mL/kg of isotonic crystalloid (normal saline or lactated Ringer's) within the first hour
- 10 mL/kg of colloid solution (albumin) over 4 hours
- 500 mL of normal saline followed by reassessment over 6 hours
- 5% dextrose in water (D5W) at a maintenance rate
3. Which of the following BEST defines sepsis?
- A life-threatening organ dysfunction caused by a dysregulated host response to infection
- Any bacterial infection in the bloodstream
- An elevated white blood cell count with fever
- An allergic reaction to an infectious agent
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Start practicing free →4. Which of the following correctly describes the concept of "severe sepsis" as it was historically defined, and why the Sepsis-3 definitions eliminated this category?
- Severe sepsis was sepsis with organ dysfunction; Sepsis-3 eliminated it because the new definition of sepsis itself requires organ dysfunction, making "severe sepsis" redundant
- Severe sepsis was any infection with fever; it was eliminated because fever is not always present in sepsis
- Severe sepsis was sepsis requiring ICU admission; it was eliminated because all sepsis patients require ICU care
- Severe sepsis was sepsis with hypotension; it was eliminated and renamed septic shock
5. You are managing a septic shock patient who remains hypotensive despite 30 mL/kg crystalloid and a norepinephrine infusion titrated to 20 mcg/min. What is the MOST appropriate next step?
- Add vasopressin 0.03 units/min as a second vasopressor, and consider stress-dose hydrocortisone
- Switch to phenylephrine as the sole vasopressor
- Administer an additional 3 liters of crystalloid rapidly
- Discontinue norepinephrine and start dopamine instead
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