Question

A 68-year-old woman presents to the emergency department with rigors, confusion, systolic blood pressure 85 mmHg, heart rate 120 beats/min and a suspected urinary source of infection. Lactate is 4.0 mmol/L. According to the Australian Sepsis Clinical Care Standard, which action is most appropriate within the first hour?

Accepted Answer

Administer intravenous broad-spectrum antibiotics and a 30 mL/kg crystalloid fluid bolus promptly

Answer

Obtain blood cultures and delay antibiotics until results are available

Answer

Start low-dose intravenous hydrocortisone and reassess before giving antibiotics

Answer

Arrange CT imaging before commencing antibiotics

Answer

Admit to the ward for observation without immediate intervention

Practice question