Question

A 63-year-old man presents to the emergency department with fever, rigors and confusion. He had a urinary catheter change 24 hours ago. Observations: temperature 39.2°C, BP 88/54 mmHg, HR 122 bpm, RR 28/min, SpO2 93% on air. His NEWS2 score is 9. What is the most appropriate immediate management priority?

Accepted Answer

Start Sepsis Six bundle and escalate to senior review

Answer

Request a CT abdomen and pelvis to look for source

Answer

Prescribe oral antibiotics and arrange review in 24 hours

Answer

Wait for blood culture results before giving antibiotics

Answer

Give a fluid bolus, then discharge if BP improves

Practice question