A large multicenter observational study finds that each hour of delay in antibiotics among ED patients with sepsis is associated with higher mortality (highly statistically significant). Mortality was 50% lower in patients who received antibiotics within the first hour compared with those who received antibiotics after 6 hours or more. The authors conclude that antibiotics should be given within the first hour.
Before we continue: Answer both questions based on this study alone. You will return to them at the end. You may skip if you prefer.