Question

A 19-year-old university student presents to the emergency department with fever, severe headache, photophobia and vomiting. On examination, temperature is 39.5 °C, HR 120 bpm, BP 105/60 mmHg and there is a non-blanching petechial rash on the trunk and legs. Neck stiffness is present. What is the most appropriate immediate management?

Accepted Answer

Administer intravenous benzylpenicillin and arrange urgent transfer to a higher-level facility

Answer

Arrange CT brain before lumbar puncture and withhold antibiotics until after imaging

Answer

Give oral Amoxicillin and review in 4 hours

Answer

Request meningococcal PCR and wait for the result before treating

Answer

Give corticosteroids alone to reduce inflammation

Practice question