A 49-year-old presents with suspected sepsis without shock; lactate 2.1 mmol/L. What is recommended regarding blood cultures and antibiotics?...

Question

A 49-year-old presents with suspected sepsis without shock; lactate 2.1 mmol/L. What is recommended regarding blood cultures and antibiotics?

Accepted Answer

Obtain cultures promptly and start antibiotics within 3 hours if sepsis without shock

Answer

Delay antibiotics until cultures return

Answer

No cultures needed if lactate

Answer

Start narrow antibiotics only after ID consult

Answer

Fluids only, defer antibiotics 24 h

us-abem MCQ (SBA): Sepsis (Non-shock)