A 21-year-old university student presents with fever, headache, photophobia and neck stiffness. Her temperature is 39.5 °C and she is drowsy but arous...

Question

A 21-year-old university student presents with fever, headache, photophobia and neck stiffness. Her temperature is 39.5 °C and she is drowsy but arousable. There are no focal neurological deficits. What is the most appropriate immediate management?

Accepted Answer

Start empiric IV ceftriaxone and vancomycin after drawing blood cultures

Answer

Order CT brain and wait for results before any other intervention

Answer

Start IV acyclovir only

Answer

Observe and arrange lumbar puncture the next day

Answer

Give oral antibiotics and discharge

ca-mccqe1 MCQ (SBA): Acute bacterial meningitis

A 21-year-old university student presents with fever, headache, photophobia and neck stiffness. Her temperature is 39.5 °C and she is drowsy but arousable. There are no focal neurological deficits. What is the most appropriate immediate management?