What is the rationale for administering IV antibiotics concurrently with IV fluids in this scenario?

• A. To prevent fluid volume depletion and peritonitis
• B. To prevent hyperkalemia
• C. To relieve pain
• D. To reduce fever alone

Answer: (A)

In this situation, the priority is both stabilizing circulation and addressing infection that could lead to peritonitis. IV fluids help replace the ongoing losses from vomiting, diarrhea, or inflammatory third-spacing and maintain blood pressure and organ perfusion, preventing hypovolemia and kidney injury. Simultaneously, IV antibiotics target the bacterial infection that could spread to the peritoneal cavity or worsen intra-abdominal inflammation, helping to prevent progression to peritonitis and sepsis. Starting both together ensures you don’t delay treating the infection while correcting volume status, which is essential for a stable patient. The other options miss this combined goal: antibiotics won’t specifically prevent hyperkalemia, they don’t directly relieve pain, and fever reduction isn’t the primary purpose of giving antibiotics with fluids.