A 25-year-old college student presents with acute onset of fever, headache, photophobia, and neck stiffness. Blood pressure is 110/70 mm Hg, heart rat...

Question

A 25-year-old college student presents with acute onset of fever, headache, photophobia, and neck stiffness. Blood pressure is 110/70 mm Hg, heart rate 110 per minute. There are no focal neurologic deficits. What is the most appropriate immediate management step?

Accepted Answer

Obtain brain MRI before any treatment

Answer

Perform lumbar puncture before giving antibiotics

Answer

Administer empiric intravenous antibiotics and dexamethasone before CT and lumbar puncture

Answer

Wait for blood culture results before starting antibiotics

Answer

Start oral antibiotics as outpatient

us-abem MCQ (SBA): Acute Bacterial Meningitis

A 25-year-old college student presents with acute onset of fever, headache, photophobia, and neck stiffness. Blood pressure is 110/70 mm Hg, heart rate 110 per minute. There are no focal neurologic deficits. What is the most appropriate immediate management step?