Question

A 72-year-old with severe community-acquired pneumonia presents with septic shock requiring vasopressors. Which diagnostic testing is recommended?

Accepted Answer

Sputum culture and blood cultures prior to antibiotics where feasible

Answer

No cultures; proceed with empiric therapy only

Answer

Urine antigen tests only

Answer

Blood cultures only after antibiotics

Answer

Delay all testing for 24 hours

Practice question

A 72-year-old with severe community-acquired pneumonia presents with septic shock requiring vasopressors. Which diagnostic testing is recommended?