Question

A 68-year-old man presents with fever, hypotension, tachycardia and suspected community-acquired pneumonia. He has lactate 3.5 mmol/L and systolic blood pressure 85 mmHg despite an initial fluid bolus. According to sepsis guidelines, which is the most appropriate next step?

Accepted Answer

Start broad-spectrum intravenous antibiotics and commence vasopressor support if hypotension persists

Answer

Delay antibiotics until blood cultures and chest X-ray are completed

Answer

Give low-dose oral antibiotics and observe

Answer

Wait for ICU review before starting antibiotics or vasopressors

Answer

Restrict fluids to avoid pulmonary oedema and avoid vasopressors

Practice question

A 68-year-old man presents with fever, hypotension, tachycardia and suspected community-acquired pneumonia. He has lactate 3.5 mmol/L and systolic blood pressure 85 mmHg despite an initial fluid bolus. According to sepsis guidelines, which is the most appropriate next step?