A 62-year-old man with a history of diabetes and COPD presents with fever, chills, and productive cough. His blood pressure is 85/50 mmHg, heart rate 115 bpm, respiratory rate 28 bpm, and temperature 39.5°C. Lactic acid is 4.5 mmol/L. After initial fluid resuscitation, which of the following is the most critical next step in managing his septic shock?
✓ Correct Answer: Option B
For septic shock, after fluid resuscitation, empiric broad-spectrum antibiotics are critical and time-sensitive. While blood cultures should be obtained, they should not delay antibiotic administration by more than 45 minutes.