Question

A 70-year-old man presents to the emergency department with confusion, hypotension (BP 84/50 mmHg), tachycardia 120/min, RR 28/min and fever 38.9 °C. Suspected source is pneumonia. After initial assessment and blood cultures, what is the single most important next step within the first hour?

Accepted Answer

Administer broad-spectrum IV antibiotics

Answer

Obtain CT imaging before treatment

Answer

Wait for lactate level before deciding on therapy

Answer

Observe response to 500 mL oral fluids

Answer

Commence oral antibiotics and discharge if stable

Practice question

A 70-year-old man presents to the emergency department with confusion, hypotension (BP 84/50 mmHg), tachycardia 120/min, RR 28/min and fever 38.9 °C. Suspected source is pneumonia. After initial assessment and blood cultures, what is the single most important next step within the first hour?