An 82-year-old care home resident has fever, productive cough and new confusion. Respiratory rate is 30/min, SpO2 90% on air, pulse 118/min, systolic

Question

An 82-year-old care home resident has fever, productive cough and new confusion. Respiratory rate is 30/min, SpO2 90% on air, pulse 118/min, systolic blood pressure 96 mmHg and lactate is 4.1 mmol/L on a point-of-care device. What is the most appropriate immediate action?

Accepted Answer

Pre-alert and convey urgently to an emergency department

Answer

Convey to a minor injuries unit for chest radiography

Answer

Treat as simple dehydration and reassess in 2 hours

Answer

Leave at home with GP follow-up because confusion is common

Answer

Delay transport until antibiotics are prescribed by the GP

Sepsis in an older adult — DipIMC MCQ

An 82-year-old care home resident has fever, productive cough and new confusion. Respiratory rate is 30/min, SpO2 90% on air, pulse 118/min, systolic blood pressure 96 mmHg and lactate is 4.1 mmol/L on a point-of-care device. What is the most appropriate immediate action?