Question

A 72-year-old with fever, tachycardia, MAP 58 mm Hg, lactate 5.2 mmol/L, and suspected pneumonia is in the ED. Which initial step is recommended as part of early sepsis care?

Accepted Answer

Administer at least 30 mL/kg of IV balanced crystalloid within the first 3 hours

Answer

Delay antibiotics until cultures are positive

Answer

Start vasopressin as first-line vasopressor

Answer

Give sodium bicarbonate to target lactate <2 mmol/L

Answer

Begin corticosteroids immediately in all patients

Practice question

A 72-year-old with fever, tachycardia, MAP 58 mm Hg, lactate 5.2 mmol/L, and suspected pneumonia is in the ED. Which initial step is recommended as part of early sepsis care?