A 72-year-old with septic shock from pneumonia received 30 mL/kg IV balanced crystalloids; MAP remains 58 mm Hg. Lactate is 4.2 mmol/L. Blood cultures...

Question

A 72-year-old with septic shock from pneumonia received 30 mL/kg IV balanced crystalloids; MAP remains 58 mm Hg. Lactate is 4.2 mmol/L. Blood cultures are obtained. What is the next best step?

Accepted Answer

Administer broad-spectrum IV antibiotics within 1 hour of recognition

Answer

Defer antibiotics until culture results are back

Answer

Start vasopressin as first-line vasopressor before antibiotics

Answer

Administer IV hydrocortisone now, defer antibiotics

Answer

Transfer to ICU and begin antibiotics after arrival

us-abem MCQ (SBA): Septic Shock

A 72-year-old with septic shock from pneumonia received 30 mL/kg IV balanced crystalloids; MAP remains 58 mm Hg. Lactate is 4.2 mmol/L. Blood cultures are obtained. What is the next best step?