A 72-year-old male presents to the emergency department with fever, altered mental status, and a blood pressure of 80/50 mmHg. His lactate level is 4.8 mmol/L. After initial fluid resuscitation, what is the most appropriate immediate next step in management?

✓ Correct Answer: Option A

For suspected sepsis and septic shock, administration of broad-spectrum antibiotics within one hour of recognition, after obtaining cultures, is a critical step to improve outcomes. Fluid resuscitation and vasopressors are also crucial but antibiotics address the underlying infection.