A 67-year-old woman has fever, confusion, blood pressure 82/48 mm Hg, heart rate 124/min, and lactate 5.1 mmol/L. Urinalysis shows pyuria and

Question

A 67-year-old woman has fever, confusion, blood pressure 82/48 mm Hg, heart rate 124/min, and lactate 5.1 mmol/L. Urinalysis shows pyuria and nitrites. Oxygen saturation is 95% on room air. Which of the following is the most appropriate next step in management?

Accepted Answer

Give IV crystalloid and broad-spectrum antibiotics promptly

Answer

Wait for urine culture before antibiotics

Answer

Restrict fluids because lactate is elevated

Answer

Start beta-blocker for tachycardia

Answer

Give oral antibiotics and discharge

Sepsis early management — USMLE Step 3 MCQ

A 67-year-old woman has fever, confusion, blood pressure 82/48 mm Hg, heart rate 124/min, and lactate 5.1 mmol/L. Urinalysis shows pyuria and nitrites. Oxygen saturation is 95% on room air. Which of the following is the most appropriate next step in management?