A 12-year-old boy presents with fever, non-blanching petechial rash, neck stiffness, and photophobia. According to Canadian meningitis guidelines, wha...

Question

A 12-year-old boy presents with fever, non-blanching petechial rash, neck stiffness, and photophobia. According to Canadian meningitis guidelines, what is the most appropriate immediate management before transfer to tertiary care?

Accepted Answer

Administer immediate IV broad-spectrum antibiotics and dexamethasone, then arrange urgent transfer

Answer

Wait for CT and lumbar puncture before any treatment

Answer

Observe as symptoms likely viral

Answer

Start oral antibiotics only

Answer

Give dexamethasone alone

ca-mccqe1 MCQ (SBA): Acute bacterial meningitis

A 12-year-old boy presents with fever, non-blanching petechial rash, neck stiffness, and photophobia. According to Canadian meningitis guidelines, what is the most appropriate immediate management before transfer to tertiary care?