A 72-year-old man arrives with hypotension (MAP 58 mmHg), lactate 5 mmol/L, suspected pneumonia, and mottled extremities. After blood cultures, what i...

Question

A 72-year-old man arrives with hypotension (MAP 58 mmHg), lactate 5 mmol/L, suspected pneumonia, and mottled extremities. After blood cultures, what is the next best immediate step?

Accepted Answer

Give 30 mL/kg IV crystalloid rapidly and start broad-spectrum antibiotics as soon as possible

Answer

Administer vasopressin as first-line vasopressor

Answer

Start norepinephrine after waiting for 1 L crystalloid response

Answer

Restrict fluids and start phenylephrine

Answer

Delay antibiotics until WBC results return

us-usmle-step-2 MCQ (SBA): Septic Shock

A 72-year-old man arrives with hypotension (MAP 58 mmHg), lactate 5 mmol/L, suspected pneumonia, and mottled extremities. After blood cultures, what is the next best immediate step?