1) if a pt has suspected sepsis and needs a saline drip to avoid dehydration then are there any potential problems in adding antibiotics (ceftriaxone 1g) at the same time to achieve a dual purpose? 2) roughly how long does a slow drip iv of 1g take?

Sepsis: Sepsis is a life threatening infection in your blood. When particularly severe, your blood pressure can drop too low. I would not like to have to make a choice between giving antibiotics OR fluids like saline. Both are given at the same time, often to save the patient's life.

Depends: If u r very sick with high fever, & unstable vital signs your doctor wld have taken all cultures, including blood culture, & done some tests & started antibiotics at the same time as IV fluids. If stable then it wld be better to observe & wait for some results before starting antibiotics. In your age group all medications can cause major problems. IV antibiotics given slowly over varying periods.