SAEM M4 Curriculum: Approach to Sepsis -
1
Key Concepts and Clinical Management Exam
2025/2026 | Society for Academic Emergency
Medicine M4 Clerkship Final Exam
What is the fundamental definition of sepsis? - 100
correct answer as-Life-threatening organ dysfunction
caused by a dysregulated host response to infection.
What differentiates sepsis from infection? - 100 correct
answer as-Sepsis includes organ dysfunction due to
systemic inflammatory and circulatory derangement.
What defines septic shock? - 100 correct answer as-
Sepsis with hypotension requiring vasopressors and
lactate >2 mmol/L despite fluids.
What are the two most common causes of sepsis? - 100
correct answer as-Pneumonia and urinary tract
infection.
What organ systems are most commonly affected in
sepsis? - 100 correct answer as-Lungs, urinary tract,
abdomen, and skin/soft tissue.
, What is the approximate mortality rate of septic shock? -
2
100 correct answer as-Around 40-50%, depending
on comorbidities and timeliness of treatment.
What are the three main pathophysiologic processes in
sepsis? - 100 correct answer as-Vasodilation,
capillary leak, and myocardial dysfunction.
What is the hallmark metabolic derangement in sepsis? -
100 correct answer as-Lactic acidosis due to tissue
hypoperfusion and anaerobic metabolism.
What scoring system quantifies organ dysfunction in
sepsis? - 100 correct answer as-SOFA (Sequential
Organ Failure Assessment) score.
What simplified bedside tool helps identify high-risk sepsis
patients? - 100 correct answer as-qSOFA (Quick
Sequential Organ Failure Assessment).
Classic early signs of sepsis? - 100 correct answer
as-Fever, tachycardia, tachypnea, and hypotension.
What are late signs of sepsis? - 100 correct answer
as-Altered mental status, oliguria, cool skin, and refractory
hypotension.
1
Key Concepts and Clinical Management Exam
2025/2026 | Society for Academic Emergency
Medicine M4 Clerkship Final Exam
What is the fundamental definition of sepsis? - 100
correct answer as-Life-threatening organ dysfunction
caused by a dysregulated host response to infection.
What differentiates sepsis from infection? - 100 correct
answer as-Sepsis includes organ dysfunction due to
systemic inflammatory and circulatory derangement.
What defines septic shock? - 100 correct answer as-
Sepsis with hypotension requiring vasopressors and
lactate >2 mmol/L despite fluids.
What are the two most common causes of sepsis? - 100
correct answer as-Pneumonia and urinary tract
infection.
What organ systems are most commonly affected in
sepsis? - 100 correct answer as-Lungs, urinary tract,
abdomen, and skin/soft tissue.
, What is the approximate mortality rate of septic shock? -
2
100 correct answer as-Around 40-50%, depending
on comorbidities and timeliness of treatment.
What are the three main pathophysiologic processes in
sepsis? - 100 correct answer as-Vasodilation,
capillary leak, and myocardial dysfunction.
What is the hallmark metabolic derangement in sepsis? -
100 correct answer as-Lactic acidosis due to tissue
hypoperfusion and anaerobic metabolism.
What scoring system quantifies organ dysfunction in
sepsis? - 100 correct answer as-SOFA (Sequential
Organ Failure Assessment) score.
What simplified bedside tool helps identify high-risk sepsis
patients? - 100 correct answer as-qSOFA (Quick
Sequential Organ Failure Assessment).
Classic early signs of sepsis? - 100 correct answer
as-Fever, tachycardia, tachypnea, and hypotension.
What are late signs of sepsis? - 100 correct answer
as-Altered mental status, oliguria, cool skin, and refractory
hypotension.
