skip to main content

Postoperative urosepsis — USMLE Step 3 MCQ

Instant feedback + full explanation. One question, done properly.

HardSurgery (post-operative, follow-up)Postoperative urosepsisUSMLE Step 3

A 72-year-old man has confusion and hypotension 5 days after transurethral resection of the prostate. Temperature is 39.1 C, heart rate is 124/min, and blood pressure is 82/48 mm Hg. Urinalysis shows pyuria and bacteriuria; lactate is 4.5 mmol/L. Which of the following is the most likely diagnosis?

Educational content. Not a substitute for clinical judgement or local policy.

Reveal the answer and explanation

Correct answer: E — Urosepsis after instrumentation

Fever, shock, pyuria, bacteriuria, and elevated lactate after urinary tract instrumentation indicate urosepsis requiring prompt fluids, cultures, antibiotics, and source assessment.

Reference: Surviving Sepsis Campaign; urologic postoperative infection guidance