Question

A 70-year-old man presents to the emergency department with fever, hypotension, tachycardia and confusion. He has a suspected urinary source of sepsis. Lactate is elevated and blood pressure remains low after an initial 500 mL fluid bolus. What is the most appropriate next step in management?

Accepted Answer

Start broad-spectrum IV antibiotics and give further IV fluid resuscitation

Answer

Delay antibiotics until cultures are confirmed

Answer

Start oral antibiotics and discharge with GP review

Answer

Give low-dose maintenance fluids only

Answer

Wait for ICU review before any further interventions

Practice question

A 70-year-old man presents to the emergency department with fever, hypotension, tachycardia and confusion. He has a suspected urinary source of sepsis. Lactate is elevated and blood pressure remains low after an initial 500 mL fluid bolus. What is the most appropriate next step in management?