Question

A 19-year-old university student presents with a 2-day history of fever, severe headache, photophobia, and neck stiffness. On examination, he is drowsy, has a temperature of 39.5°C, and a widespread petechial rash. What is the single most important immediate action in primary care?

Accepted Answer

Administer parenteral benzylpenicillin STAT

Answer

Perform Kernig's and Brudzinski's signs

Answer

Arrange urgent lumbar puncture

Answer

Send urgent blood cultures

Answer

Arrange immediate hospital admission

Practice question

A 19-year-old university student presents with a 2-day history of fever, severe headache, photophobia, and neck stiffness. On examination, he is drowsy, has a temperature of 39.5°C, and a widespread petechial rash. What is the single most important immediate action in primary care?