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Sepsis high-risk NEWS2 — SCE Acute Medicine MCQ

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EasySepsis and Infectious EmergenciesSepsis high-risk NEWS2SCE Acute Medicine

A 77-year-old woman presents with fever, rigors and dysuria. NEWS2 is 8, lactate is 3.6 mmol/L and creatinine has risen to 188 micromol/L. Blood pressure is 98/56 mmHg after a small fluid bolus and she is newly confused. What is the most appropriate next step in management?

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Correct answer: C — Give IV antibiotics within one hour, fluids, cultures and senior review

Suspected infection with NEWS2 7 or above is high risk under current NICE sepsis guidance and needs immediate structured assessment, cultures, IV antibiotics within one hour and senior review. Waiting for culture risks avoidable deterioration. Procalcitonin should not replace clinical assessment in acute high-risk sepsis. The pearl is that NEWS2 now anchors adult acute-hospital risk stratification for suspected sepsis.

Reference: NICE NG253