A 67-year-old man with fever, hypotension (MAP 58 mmHg), lactate 5.1 mmol/L, and suspected pneumonia is diagnosed with septic shock. After drawing cul...

Question

A 67-year-old man with fever, hypotension (MAP 58 mmHg), lactate 5.1 mmol/L, and suspected pneumonia is diagnosed with septic shock. After drawing cultures, which immediate step is recommended?

Accepted Answer

Administer 30 mL/kg IV crystalloid and initiate broad-spectrum antibiotics within 1 hour; start norepinephrine if hypotension persists

Answer

Delay antibiotics until CT chest obtained

Answer

Start dopamine as first-line vasopressor

Answer

Restrict fluids to avoid pulmonary edema

Answer

Give high-dose steroids before fluids or antibiotics

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

A 67-year-old man with fever, hypotension (MAP 58 mmHg), lactate 5.1 mmol/L, and suspected pneumonia is diagnosed with septic shock. After drawing cultures, which immediate step is recommended?