Question

A 35-year-old with suspected septic shock presents with MAP 58 mm Hg, lactate 5.2 mmol/L, and fever 39.4°F. Blood cultures are obtained at 12:10. What intervention is most time‑critical now?

Accepted Answer

Administer broad‑spectrum IV antibiotics within 1 hour of recognition

Answer

Place a central venous catheter for ScvO₂ monitoring

Answer

Obtain CT abdomen/pelvis before starting antimicrobials

Answer

Defer antimicrobials until after 3 L of crystalloid

Answer

Start low‑dose dopamine for renal perfusion

Practice question

A 35-year-old with suspected septic shock presents with MAP 58 mm Hg, lactate 5.2 mmol/L, and fever 39.4°F. Blood cultures are obtained at 12:10. What intervention is most time‑critical now?