Question

A 9-year-old girl presents to a rural emergency department with fever 39.5 °C, tachycardia, hypotension and delayed capillary refill. She appears ill and mottled. Sepsis is suspected. According to paediatric sepsis guidance, which statement best reflects appropriate initial management?

Accepted Answer

Begin broad-spectrum intravenous antibiotics within 1 hour of recognising sepsis

Answer

Obtain blood cultures, then delay antibiotics until culture results are available

Answer

Avoid fluid resuscitation to prevent pulmonary oedema

Answer

Wait for transfer to a tertiary centre before starting treatment

Answer

Use oral antibiotics if intravenous access is difficult

Practice question

A 9-year-old girl presents to a rural emergency department with fever 39.5 °C, tachycardia, hypotension and delayed capillary refill. She appears ill and mottled. Sepsis is suspected. According to paediatric sepsis guidance, which statement best reflects appropriate initial management?