Question

A 62-year-old man presents with fever, tachycardia, hypotension, and confusion after a urinary source. Which is the most important time-critical action?

Accepted Answer

Administer IV broad-spectrum antibiotics within 1 hour

Answer

Obtain urine culture then observe

Answer

Start oral antibiotics within 24 hours

Answer

Give IV steroids early

Answer

Delay fluids until cultures are taken

Practice question

A 62-year-old man presents with fever, tachycardia, hypotension, and confusion after a urinary source. Which is the most important time-critical action?