A 67-year-old man presents to the emergency department with fever, confusion, hypotension (BP 82/48 mmHg), respiratory rate 30/min and SpO2 90% on air...

Question

A 67-year-old man presents to the emergency department with fever, confusion, hypotension (BP 82/48 mmHg), respiratory rate 30/min and SpO2 90% on air. His NEWS2 score is 9. You suspect sepsis from a urinary source. What is the single most important immediate action?

Accepted Answer

Start broad-spectrum intravenous antibiotics as part of a Sepsis Six bundle

Answer

Request an urgent CT abdomen and pelvis before treatment

Answer

Give oral antibiotics while awaiting cultures

Answer

Wait for blood culture results before starting antibiotics

Answer

Arrange routine medical review within 4 hours

uk-plab-1 MCQ (SBA): Sepsis with high NEWS2

A 67-year-old man presents to the emergency department with fever, confusion, hypotension (BP 82/48 mmHg), respiratory rate 30/min and SpO2 90% on air. His NEWS2 score is 9. You suspect sepsis from a urinary source. What is the single most important immediate action?