Question

A 68-year-old woman presents to the emergency department with fever, hypotension (80/50 mmHg), tachycardia and suspected pneumonia. Lactate is 4.0 mmol/L. According to current sepsis management principles, what is the most appropriate immediate intervention within the first hour?

Accepted Answer

Administer broad-spectrum IV antibiotics and fluid resuscitation promptly

Answer

Start low-dose dopamine infusion only

Answer

Obtain blood cultures and delay antibiotics until results are available

Answer

Order a CT scan of the chest before starting treatment

Answer

Wait for ICU review before commencing any therapy

Practice question

A 68-year-old woman presents to the emergency department with fever, hypotension (80/50 mmHg), tachycardia and suspected pneumonia. Lactate is 4.0 mmol/L. According to current sepsis management principles, what is the most appropriate immediate intervention within the first hour?