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Community-acquired pneumonia with sepsis — RCPSC EM MCQ

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ModerateRespiratory emergenciesCommunity-acquired pneumonia with sepsisRCPSC EM

CTAS 2. A 69-year-old with diabetes has fever, productive cough, confusion, and pleuritic pain. BP is 92/58 mmHg, RR 30, SpO2 89%, and lactate is 3.8 mmol/L. Chest x-ray shows right lower lobe consolidation. What is the most appropriate next step?

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Correct answer: A — Oxygen, cultures, IV antibiotics, and sepsis resuscitation

Pneumonia with hypotension, hypoxaemia, confusion, and elevated lactate requires ED sepsis management and IV antibiotics.

Reference: Association of Medical Microbiology and Infectious Disease Canada CAP guidance; Surviving Sepsis Campaign