Sepsis Awareness: 50-Question Flashcard Challenge

This interactive module is designed to test your recall of critical sepsis protocols, aligned with current NHS and UK Sepsis Trust guidelines. It is an essential refresher for identifying red flags and administering time-critical care.

You can take a live quiz or use our flash cards to test your understanding after reviewing the 50 questions below. Please complete all questions before checking the answers.

What this quiz covers:

• Recognition: Identifying "Red Flag" symptoms in adults and children.
• Response: The "Sepsis Six" care bundle and the "Golden Hour."
• Clinical Tools: Understanding NEWS2 scores, Lactate levels, and patient history.
• Risk Factors: Spotting vulnerable patients and neutropenic sepsis.

How to use:

• Read the question on the front of the card.
• Click or Tap the card to flip it and reveal the correct answer.
• Navigate through the 50 scenarios using the buttons below.

Sepsis Awareness 50 Questions (UK)

1. What is sepsis?

a) A viral infection
b) The body’s extreme response to infection
c) A type of cancer
d) An allergic reaction

2. Sepsis can be caused by:

a) Bacterial infections only
b) Viral infections only
c) Fungal infections only
d) Bacterial, viral, or fungal infections

3. Which of the following is a common early sign of sepsis?

a) High blood pressure
b) Fever or low body temperature
c) Weight gain
d) Hair loss

4. Which UK organisation leads national sepsis awareness campaigns?

a) NHS England
b) UK Health Security Agency
c) The Sepsis Trust
d) Care Quality Commission

5. Approximately how many people die from sepsis each year in the UK?

a) 5,000
b) 15,000
c) 48,000
d) 100,000

6. Which group is at higher risk of developing sepsis?

a) Young, healthy adults
b) People with weakened immune systems
c) People who exercise regularly
d) People with good nutrition

7. Sepsis is a:

a) Preventable condition only
b) Always fatal
c) Medical emergency
d) Rare illness

8. Which symptom may indicate sepsis in adults?

a) Slurred speech
b) Cold, pale, or mottled skin
c) Sudden weight loss
d) Itchy rash only

9. What does “red flag sepsis” mean?

a) Mild infection
b) Non-urgent symptoms
c) Signs indicating high risk of severe sepsis
d) Allergic reaction

10. Which infection most commonly leads to sepsis in the UK?

a) Ear infection
b) Chest infection
c) Eye infection
d) Skin rash

11. Which of the following is a sepsis symptom in children?

a) Blue or blotchy skin
b) Increased appetite
c) Rapid hair growth
d) High energy levels

12. How quickly can sepsis become life-threatening?

a) Within hours
b) Within weeks
c) Within months
d) It cannot become life-threatening

13. What should you do if you suspect sepsis?

a) Wait 24 hours
b) Drink fluids and rest
c) Seek urgent medical help
d) Take painkillers only

14. In the UK, which number should you call in a life-threatening emergency?

a) 101
b) 999
c) 111
d) 112

15. Which phrase helps identify sepsis symptoms in adults?

a) FAST
b) THINK SEPSIS
c) ABCDE
d) STOP

16. Which is NOT a typical sign of sepsis?

a) Rapid breathing
b) Confusion
c) Low blood pressure
d) Slow heart rate

17. What age group has the highest sepsis risk?

a) Teenagers
b) Older adults (65+)
c) Adults aged 30–40
d) Athletes

18. Sepsis can lead to which complication?

a) Organ failure
b) Improved immunity
c) Weight gain
d) Better circulation

19. Which of the following can increase sepsis risk?

a) Recent surgery
b) Vaccination
c) Exercise
d) Healthy diet

20. Antibiotics are most effective against sepsis when given:

a) After 48 hours
b) Only at home
c) As early as possible
d) Only in mild cases

21. What is septic shock?

a) Mild infection
b) Severe sepsis causing dangerously low blood pressure
c) Allergic reaction
d) Viral illness

22. Which symptom suggests worsening sepsis?

a) Feeling hungry
b) Passing little or no urine
c) Sleeping well
d) Normal breathing

23. Sepsis is sometimes called:

a) Blood poisoning
b) Food poisoning
c) Heat stroke
d) Dehydration

24. Which NHS service provides urgent medical advice in England?

a) 999
b) NHS 111
c) GP surgery only
d) Pharmacy

25. Can sepsis affect previously healthy people?

a) No, never
b) Only elderly people
c) Yes, anyone can develop sepsis
d) Only children

26. Which temperature change can indicate sepsis?

a) Normal temperature
b) Fever or abnormally low temperature
c) Slight warmth
d) Mild sweating

27. Which of the following is a key message of UK sepsis campaigns?

a) Wait and see
b) Early recognition saves lives
c) Sepsis is rare
d) Only hospitals treat sepsis

28. Which infection site commonly causes sepsis?

a) Lungs
b) Urinary tract
c) Abdomen
d) All of the above

29. Which symptom is linked to sepsis-related confusion?

a) Delirium
b) Dizziness only
c) Fatigue
d) Nausea

30. What colour may the skin appear in sepsis?

a) Warm and pink
b) Pale, blue, or mottled
c) Bright red
d) Yellow

31. What is the “Sepsis Six”?

a) Six warning signs
b) Six antibiotics
c) Six immediate treatments
d) Six hospital wards

32. Which is part of the Sepsis Six?

a) Oxygen therapy
b) Painkillers only
c) Rest at home
d) Vitamin supplements

33. How does sepsis affect organs?

a) Improves function
b) Can cause organ failure
c) Has no effect
d) Only affects the skin

34. Which healthcare setting commonly identifies sepsis early?

a) Emergency departments
b) Schools
c) Gyms
d) Pharmacies only

35. Can vaccinations help reduce sepsis risk?

a) No
b) Yes, by preventing infections
c) Only for children
d) Only for travellers

36. Which statement is true?

a) Sepsis always causes fever
b) Sepsis can occur without fever
c) Sepsis is painless
d) Sepsis is contagious

37. What should families do if symptoms worsen after seeing a GP?

a) Wait longer
b) Return urgently or call emergency services
c) Ignore symptoms
d) Take herbal remedies

38. Sepsis awareness aims to improve:

a) Early recognition and treatment
b) Hospital profits
c) Antibiotic resistance
d) Waiting times only

39. Which population has increased sepsis risk?

a) Pregnant women
b) Newborn babies
c) Elderly people
d) All of the above

40. Which symptom may indicate sepsis in babies?

a) Poor feeding
b) High energy
c) Fast growth
d) Increased crying only

41. Sepsis can develop from which minor condition?

a) Small cut
b) Insect bite
c) Urinary infection
d) All of the above

42. Which test helps diagnose sepsis?

a) Blood tests
b) X-ray only
c) Eye test
d) Hearing test

43. How is sepsis treated in hospital?

a) Antibiotics and fluids
b) Bed rest only
c) Painkillers only
d) Surgery always

44. Why is time critical in sepsis treatment?

a) Symptoms resolve on their own
b) Delay increases risk of death
c) Treatment is optional
d) It only affects recovery time

45. Which is NOT a sepsis awareness message?

a) Act fast
b) Trust your instincts
c) Wait for symptoms to pass
d) Sepsis is a medical emergency

46. What can survivors experience after sepsis?

a) Full recovery only
b) Long-term physical or psychological effects
c) No after-effects
d) Immediate immunity

47. Which of these is a psychological effect of sepsis?

a) PTSD
b) Improved memory
c) Euphoria
d) Increased concentration

48. What role do carers and families play in sepsis detection?

a) No role
b) Can help recognise early changes
c) Should avoid involvement
d) Only doctors can identify sepsis

49. Which UK campaign slogan is linked to sepsis awareness?

a) Just Wait
b) Think Sepsis
c) Stay Silent
d) Act Later

50. The most important action when sepsis is suspected is to:

a) Monitor symptoms
b) Seek urgent medical help
c) Self-medicate
d) Wait for test results

Sepsis Awareness Quiz – Answers with Explanations

1. b – Sepsis is the body’s extreme and life-threatening response to infection.
2. d – Sepsis can result from bacterial, viral, or fungal infections.
3. b – Fever or abnormally low temperature is an early warning sign.
4. c – The Sepsis Trust leads national sepsis awareness in the UK.
5. c – Around 48,000 people die from sepsis in the UK each year.
6. b – A weakened immune system increases sepsis risk.
7. c – Sepsis is a medical emergency requiring urgent treatment.
8. b – Cold or mottled skin suggests poor circulation seen in sepsis.
9. c – Red flag sepsis means a high risk of severe illness or death.
10. b – Chest infections are the most common cause of sepsis in the UK.
11. a – Blue or blotchy skin is a serious sign in children.
12. a – Sepsis can become life-threatening within hours.
13. c – Immediate medical attention can save lives.
14. b – 999 is the UK emergency number for life-threatening situations.
15. b – “Think Sepsis” helps prompt early recognition.
16. d – Sepsis usually causes a fast, not slow, heart rate.
17. b – Older adults (65+) are at higher risk.
18. a – Sepsis can cause organ failure if untreated.
19. a – Surgery increases infection and sepsis risk.
20. c – Early antibiotics significantly improve survival.
21. b – Septic shock is severe sepsis with dangerously low blood pressure.
22. b – Reduced urine output indicates possible organ failure.
23. a – Sepsis is commonly known as blood poisoning.
24. b – NHS 111 provides urgent medical advice in England.
25. c – Anyone can develop sepsis, even healthy people.
26. b – Sepsis can cause both high and low body temperatures.
27. b – Early recognition and treatment save lives.
28. d – Sepsis can start from infections anywhere in the body.
29. a – Delirium is a common sign of sepsis-related confusion.
30. b – Poor blood flow causes pale, blue, or mottled skin.
31. c – The Sepsis Six are six urgent hospital treatments.
32. a – Oxygen helps support organs affected by sepsis.
33. b – Sepsis can damage organs and cause failure.
34. a – Emergency departments often identify sepsis early.
35. b – Vaccinations reduce infections that can lead to sepsis.
36. b – Sepsis can occur without a fever.
37. b – Worsening symptoms need urgent reassessment.
38. a – Awareness focuses on early recognition and treatment.
39. d – Babies, pregnant women, and the elderly are all higher risk.
40. a – Poor feeding is a key warning sign in babies.
41. d – Even minor infections can develop into sepsis.
42. a – Blood tests help detect infection and organ damage.
43. a – Sepsis is treated with antibiotics, fluids, and supportive care.
44. b – Delayed treatment increases the risk of death.
45. c – Waiting for symptoms to pass is dangerous.
46. b – Sepsis survivors may have long-term physical or mental effects.
47. a – PTSD is a recognised psychological effect of sepsis.
48. b – Families can spot early changes and raise concerns.
49. b – “Think Sepsis” is a key UK awareness message.
50. b – Urgent medical help is the most important action.