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Pediatric septic shock — ABEM Board MCQ

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ModeratePediatric emergenciesPediatric septic shockABEM Board

A 6-month-old girl arrives as ESI 2 with fever to 39.1 C, poor feeding, and decreased urine output. HR 184, RR 48, BP 74/42, capillary refill is 5 seconds, and she is mottled. No focal source is found. Which of the following is the most important immediate intervention?

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Correct answer: D — Administer isotonic fluid bolus and empiric broad-spectrum antibiotics

Infant septic shock requires immediate resuscitation with isotonic fluid and early broad-spectrum antibiotics; cultures should not delay stabilization.

Reference: AAP fever guidance; Surviving Sepsis Campaign pediatric guidelines