Question

A 78-year-old man on the medical ward has a temperature of 38.7°C, respiratory rate 28 breaths/min, blood pressure 88/54 mmHg, pulse 115 bpm, and oxygen saturation 90% on air. His NEWS2 score is calculated as 9. He has a suspected pneumonia on chest X-ray. What is the most appropriate immediate management priority?

Accepted Answer

Commence the Sepsis Six bundle including high-flow oxygen, blood cultures, intravenous broad-spectrum antibiotics and intravenous fluids

Answer

Wait for CRP and blood culture results before starting treatment

Answer

Give Paracetamol and review in 4 hours

Answer

Arrange an outpatient CT scan and discharge if he feels better

Answer

Start prophylactic low molecular weight Heparin only

Practice question