A 58-year-old with suspected sepsis has blood cultures drawn. When should antimicrobial therapy be initiated?...

Question

A 58-year-old with suspected sepsis has blood cultures drawn. When should antimicrobial therapy be initiated?

Accepted Answer

As soon as possible-ideally within 1 hour in shock; within 3 hours without shock

Answer

After culture results are finalized

Answer

After initial fluid resuscitation regardless of timing

Answer

Only if lactate >4 mmol/L

Answer

Wait for procalcitonin

us-abem MCQ (SBA): Antibiotic Timing in Sepsis