HESI Case Study Advanced Cardiac

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HESI Case Study Advanced Cardiac

Life Support (ACLS): Sepsis

Questions and Answers | Latest Version | 2025/2026 | Correct & Verified

What is the first step in managing a patient with suspected sepsis?

• Start vasopressors immediately

✔✔B. Obtain blood cultures and start broad-spectrum antibiotics

• Perform ECG
• Administer diuretics

Which vital sign change is most concerning in sepsis?

• Bradycardia

✔✔B. Hypotension

• Mild fever
• Slow respiratory rate

Which lab value indicates possible sepsis?

• Hemoglobin 13 g/dL 1 / 3

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• Sodium 138 mEq/L

✔✔C. Lactate 4 mmol/L

• Potassium 4.0 mEq/L

What is the recommended timeframe for administering antibiotics in suspected sepsis?

• Within 6 hours

✔✔B. Within 1 hour

• Within 12 hours
• Within 24 hours

Which IV fluid is recommended for initial resuscitation in sepsis?

• 5% dextrose

✔✔B. 0.9% normal saline

• 3% saline
• Hypotonic solution

What is the minimum fluid bolus recommended for initial resuscitation in adults with sepsis- induced hypotension? 2 / 3

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• 10 mL/kg

✔✔B. 30 mL/kg

• 5 mL/kg
• 50 mL/kg

Which vasopressor is first-line in septic shock?

• Dopamine

✔✔B. Norepinephrine

• Epinephrine
• Vasopressin

What is the primary purpose of measuring serum lactate in sepsis?

• Assess liver function
• Detect kidney failure

✔✔C. Identify tissue hypoperfusion

• Measure cardiac output

Which clinical finding is part of the Sepsis-3 definition?

• / 3