Question

A 72-year-old man presents to the emergency department with fever, hypotension (BP 82/50 mm Hg), tachycardia, and suspected pneumonia. Laboratory tests show elevated lactate. According to the 2021 Surviving Sepsis Campaign guidelines applied in Canadian practice, which initial management step is most appropriate?

Accepted Answer

Administer 30 mL/kg intravenous crystalloid and broad-spectrum antibiotics as soon as possible

Answer

Delay antibiotics until blood culture results return

Answer

Start high-dose steroids before fluids and antibiotics

Answer

Restrict fluids to avoid pulmonary oedema and observe

Answer

Give oral antibiotics in the emergency department and discharge if improved

Practice question