Question

A 74-year-old woman with septic shock is receiving fluids and vasopressors for persistent hypotension. Regarding antimicrobial therapy timing, which is best?

Accepted Answer

Administer broad-spectrum antibiotics within 1 hour of recognition

Answer

Defer antibiotics until source is confirmed

Answer

Give antibiotics after 3 hours if lactate remains elevated

Answer

Wait for CT imaging before starting antibiotics

Answer

Start narrow-spectrum antibiotics only after sensitivities

Practice question

A 74-year-old woman with septic shock is receiving fluids and vasopressors for persistent hypotension. Regarding antimicrobial therapy timing, which is best?