A 3-year-old boy presents with fever, neck stiffness and photophobia. You strongly suspect bacterial meningitis. What is the most appropriate immediat...

Question

A 3-year-old boy presents with fever, neck stiffness and photophobia. You strongly suspect bacterial meningitis. What is the most appropriate immediate management?

Accepted Answer

Administer empirical IV cefotaxime or ceftriaxone immediately after blood cultures

Answer

Lumbar puncture before any treatment in all cases

Answer

Delay antibiotics until CT brain excludes raised intracranial pressure

Answer

Oral antibiotics and review in 12 hours

Answer

Observation only as most cases are viral

au-acem MCQ (SBA): Paediatric bacterial meningitis

A 3-year-old boy presents with fever, neck stiffness and photophobia. You strongly suspect bacterial meningitis. What is the most appropriate immediate management?