A 67-year-old man presents to the emergency department with fever 38.9°C, tachycardia 120/min, BP 90/55 mm Hg, RR 26/min, and confusion. He has a susp...

Question

A 67-year-old man presents to the emergency department with fever 38.9°C, tachycardia 120/min, BP 90/55 mm Hg, RR 26/min, and confusion. He has a suspected pneumonia on chest radiograph. According to CAEP sepsis guidance adapted from Surviving Sepsis, which initial intervention is most critical in the first hour?

Accepted Answer

Administer broad-spectrum intravenous antibiotics and a 30 mL/kg bolus of intravenous crystalloids

Answer

Start vasopressors immediately without fluids

Answer

Delay antibiotics until blood cultures are positive

Answer

Order CT scans before starting treatment

Answer

Give oral antibiotics and discharge home

ca-mccqe1 MCQ (SBA): Septic shock - initial resuscitation