Question

A 64-year-old man presents to the emergency department with fever (38.9°C), tachycardia, hypotension (BP 88/52 mmHg), confusion and a suspected pneumonia on chest X-ray. His lactate is 3.5 mmol/L. According to the Australian Sepsis Clinical Care Standard, what is the most important time-critical intervention in the first hour?

Accepted Answer

Administer broad-spectrum intravenous antibiotics and fluid resuscitation

Answer

Obtain blood cultures and await results before treating

Answer

Arrange CT imaging before starting treatment

Answer

Start low-dose oral antibiotics and observe

Answer

Delay treatment until ICU review is available

Practice question