Question

A 74-year-old woman in a residential aged care facility develops acute confusion, urinary incontinence and poor oral intake over 24 hours. Nursing staff note she is febrile at 38.4 °C and more drowsy than usual. According to the RACGP Silver Book, what is the most appropriate initial approach by the visiting GP?

Accepted Answer

Perform a focused assessment for sepsis including vitals, examination and urinalysis, and consider hospital transfer based on severity

Answer

Start trimethoprim immediately for presumed UTI

Answer

Arrange urgent transfer to hospital without assessment

Answer

Increase her regular benzodiazepine dose to settle agitation

Answer

Start broad-spectrum IV antibiotics in the facility without investigation

Practice question