Sepsis: RCSI aptitude test practice questions
About this topic
Sepsis on the RCSI theory paper
HSE National Clinical Guideline No. 26 (v2, 2025): recognition, the adult screening tool, Sepsis 6, ISBAR escalation.
38 multiple-choice questions, each with an explanation and the document it was checked against. Three questions are free; the pass opens the other 35 and every other topic. Wrong answers come back first the next time you practise, and a question counts as mastered after two correct answers in a row.
Sample questions from this topic
Question 1
How many sets of peripheral blood cultures does the HSE adult sepsis protocol ask for before antimicrobials?
- ATwo sets
- BOne set from each arm plus a line culture
- COne set
- DThree sets
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Answer: A. Two sets of peripheral blood cultures, taken with aseptic technique before antimicrobials are given, unless taking them would delay antimicrobials by more than 45 minutes. If the patient has a central venous access device, line cultures are taken at the same time.
Source: HSE Sepsis Screening Tool for Adults (2025), Sepsis 6 step 1
Question 2
What size of IV fluid bolus does the HSE adult sepsis protocol specify for a patient with hypotension or hypoperfusion?
- A100 ml of colloid
- B2000 ml of dextrose 5%
- C250 to 500 ml of balanced crystalloid
- D1000 ml of 0.9% sodium chloride
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Answer: C. A 250 to 500 ml bolus of balanced crystalloid, reassessing the response frequently. Crystalloids are the fluid of choice in NCG 26 for initial resuscitation and later volume replacement.
Source: HSE Sepsis Screening Tool for Adults (2025), Sepsis 6 step 4
Question 3
An initial point-of-care lactate is elevated above 2 mmol/L. What does the HSE adult sepsis protocol ask you to do?
- AStop IV fluids
- BRepeat the lactate in 24 hours with the routine morning bloods
- CTake no further action if the patient looks well and is talking
- DRepeat the lactate after the Sepsis 6 bundle to assess response
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Answer: D. A lactate over 2 mmol/L is a marker of tissue hypoperfusion. The protocol asks for a repeat after the bundle to see whether treatment is working; NCG 26 suggests guiding resuscitation to normalise lactate.
Source: HSE Sepsis Screening Tool for Adults (2025), Sepsis 6 step 2
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