1. What are the three main components of the Rapid Response System (RRS) and what are their roles in acute care? (5 marks) - The three main components of the RRS are the afferent limb, the efferent limb and the quality improvement limb. The afferent limb is responsible for identifying and communicating the deterioration of patients to the efferent limb. The efferent limb is responsible for providing timely and appropriate interventions to the patients in need. The quality improvement limb is responsible for monitoring and evaluating the performance and outcomes of the RRS and implementing changes to improve it. 2. What are the common causes and signs of sepsis in acute care patients? How would you manage a patient with suspected sepsis? (10 marks) - Sepsis is a life-threatening condition that occurs when the body’s response to an infection causes widespread inflammation and organ dysfunction. The common causes of sepsis in acute care patients are bacterial, viral or fungal infections, especially those involving the lungs, urinary tract, abdomen or skin. The signs of sepsis may vary depending on the source and severity of the infection, but they generally include fever, chills, tachycardia, tachypnea, hypotension, altered mental status, oliguria, and increased lactate levels. The management of a patient with suspected sepsis involves early recognition, prompt initiation of antibiotics, fluid resuscitation, hemodynamic monitoring, source control, and supportive care. 3. What are the indications and contraindications for non-invasive ventilation (NIV) in acute care patients? What are the advantages and disadvantages of NIV compared to invasive ventilation? (10 marks) - NIV is a mode of mechanical ventilation that delivers positive pressure to the airways without using an artificial airway such as an endotracheal tube or a tracheostomy. The indications for NIV in acute care patients are acute respiratory failure due to exacerbations of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), acute cardiogenic pulmonary edema, or immunocompromised states. The contraindications for NIV are respiratory arrest, hemodynamic instability, inability to protect the airway, facial trauma or surgery, high risk of aspiration, or intolerance to the mask or interface. The advantages of NIV compared to invasive ventilation are reduced risk of ventilator-associated pneumonia, lower incidence of barotrauma, less sedation requirement, preserved cough and swallowing reflexes, and improved patient comfort and cooperation. The disadvantages of NIV compared to invasive ventilation are