Question

A 70-year-old man presents to the emergency department with fever, hypotension, tachycardia and confusion. His NEWS2 score is 9 and chest X-ray shows right lower lobe consolidation. Lactate is 3.5 mmol/L. What is the most appropriate immediate management strategy?

Accepted Answer

Start intravenous broad-spectrum antibiotics, give high-flow oxygen, obtain blood cultures, start intravenous fluids, measure serial lactates and monitor urine output

Answer

Give oral antibiotics and arrange discharge with GP follow-up

Answer

Await microbiology advice before starting any antibiotics

Answer

Give a single dose of intravenous steroids only

Answer

Arrange routine medical admission the next day

Practice question

A 70-year-old man presents to the emergency department with fever, hypotension, tachycardia and confusion. His NEWS2 score is 9 and chest X-ray shows right lower lobe consolidation. Lactate is 3.5 mmol/L. What is the most appropriate immediate management strategy?