A 70-year-old man presents to ED with fever, tachycardia, hypotension (BP 88/54 mmHg), confusion and suspected pneumonia on chest X-ray. You diagnose ...

Question

A 70-year-old man presents to ED with fever, tachycardia, hypotension (BP 88/54 mmHg), confusion and suspected pneumonia on chest X-ray. You diagnose sepsis with septic shock. What is the most critical time-sensitive management action?

Accepted Answer

Administer IV broad-spectrum antibiotics within one hour of recognising sepsis

Answer

Obtain blood cultures and delay antibiotics until results are available

Answer

Start low-dose oral antibiotics and observe

Answer

Wait for CT imaging before starting treatment

Answer

Restrict IV fluids to avoid pulmonary oedema

au-amc MCQ (SBA): Sepsis and septic shock

A 70-year-old man presents to ED with fever, tachycardia, hypotension (BP 88/54 mmHg), confusion and suspected pneumonia on chest X-ray. You diagnose sepsis with septic shock. What is the most critical time-sensitive management action?