Page 1 of 145
Emma Sepsis Case Study (SNA106US) |
Full Simulation Breakdown, Diagnosis &
Management | Oxford Medical Simulation
| 2026 Update | 100% Complete.
Q1. What is the primary presenting complaint of “Emma,” the
virtual patient in the Oxford Medical Simulation sepsis scenario?
A) Chest pain and dyspnoea on exertion
B) An oozing abscess on her leg
C) Headache and photophobia
D) Abdominal pain and haematemesis
Answer: B
Rationale: Multiple news articles describe Emma as a virtual
patient with an oozing abscess on her leg that quickly becomes
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life-threatening. The abscess is the visible source of infection that
drives her sepsis.
Q2. Which visual sign in the VR simulation suggests that Emma’s
perfusion is failing?
A) Flushed, warm cheeks
B) Mottled, discoloured skin
C) Profuse sweating (diaphoresis) only
D) Acrocyanosis of the fingers
Answer: B
Rationale: Sepsis patients often show patches of discoloured
skin (mottling), which indicates poor peripheral perfusion.
Technology recreates this typical indicator. Diaphoresis may also
be present, but mottling is more specific for septic shock.
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Q3. (Scenario) You enter Emma’s virtual room and note she
is sleepy and difficult to arouse. Your immediate priority is:
A) Establish IV access
B) Assess her airway and breathing
C) Place a urinary catheter
D) Call the infection prevention team
Answer: B
Rationale: “Sleepy or difficult to rouse” is a sign of reduced
consciousness, which can precede airway compromise. Airway
and breathing always come first in any emergency assessment
(ABCDE approach).
Q4. Which of the following is a subjective finding that would
increase your suspicion of sepsis in Emma?
A) Blood pressure 88/52 mm Hg
B) Fever and rigours at home
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C) White blood cell count 20,000/μL
D) Heart rate 118 bpm
Answer: B
Rationale: Subjective findings come from the patient history.
Fever and rigours suggest systemic infection and are key
historical clues for sepsis.
Q5. The mnemonic “sepsis” can help with early recognition. The
“S” stands for:
A) Severe bradycardia
B) Shivering, fever, or feeling very cold
C) Shortness of breath
D) Skin discoloration
Answer: B
Rationale: The Sepsis Trust’s “sepsis” mnemonic uses Shivering,
Emma Sepsis Case Study (SNA106US) |
Full Simulation Breakdown, Diagnosis &
Management | Oxford Medical Simulation
| 2026 Update | 100% Complete.
Q1. What is the primary presenting complaint of “Emma,” the
virtual patient in the Oxford Medical Simulation sepsis scenario?
A) Chest pain and dyspnoea on exertion
B) An oozing abscess on her leg
C) Headache and photophobia
D) Abdominal pain and haematemesis
Answer: B
Rationale: Multiple news articles describe Emma as a virtual
patient with an oozing abscess on her leg that quickly becomes
,Page 2 of 145
life-threatening. The abscess is the visible source of infection that
drives her sepsis.
Q2. Which visual sign in the VR simulation suggests that Emma’s
perfusion is failing?
A) Flushed, warm cheeks
B) Mottled, discoloured skin
C) Profuse sweating (diaphoresis) only
D) Acrocyanosis of the fingers
Answer: B
Rationale: Sepsis patients often show patches of discoloured
skin (mottling), which indicates poor peripheral perfusion.
Technology recreates this typical indicator. Diaphoresis may also
be present, but mottling is more specific for septic shock.
,Page 3 of 145
Q3. (Scenario) You enter Emma’s virtual room and note she
is sleepy and difficult to arouse. Your immediate priority is:
A) Establish IV access
B) Assess her airway and breathing
C) Place a urinary catheter
D) Call the infection prevention team
Answer: B
Rationale: “Sleepy or difficult to rouse” is a sign of reduced
consciousness, which can precede airway compromise. Airway
and breathing always come first in any emergency assessment
(ABCDE approach).
Q4. Which of the following is a subjective finding that would
increase your suspicion of sepsis in Emma?
A) Blood pressure 88/52 mm Hg
B) Fever and rigours at home
, Page 4 of 145
C) White blood cell count 20,000/μL
D) Heart rate 118 bpm
Answer: B
Rationale: Subjective findings come from the patient history.
Fever and rigours suggest systemic infection and are key
historical clues for sepsis.
Q5. The mnemonic “sepsis” can help with early recognition. The
“S” stands for:
A) Severe bradycardia
B) Shivering, fever, or feeling very cold
C) Shortness of breath
D) Skin discoloration
Answer: B
Rationale: The Sepsis Trust’s “sepsis” mnemonic uses Shivering,
