A 48-year-old woman with decompensated cirrhosis (Child-Pugh Class C, MELD score 28) and ascites presents with fever (38.5°C), abdominal pain, and cloudy ascitic fluid. Diagnostic paracentesis shows: total protein 1.2 g/dL, polymorphonuclear (PMN) count 350/μL, and bacterial culture is pending. What is the most appropriate immediate next step in management?

See the options, answer & explanation

Sign in free to reveal the answer choices, the correct answer, the detailed explanation, and AI-powered insights for this question.