Question

A 22-year-old student presents with fever, headache, photophobia and neck stiffness. He has a purpuric rash on his trunk. BP is 90/60 mmHg, pulse 120/min. You are the GP seeing him at home. What is the single most appropriate immediate action before transfer to hospital?

Accepted Answer

Give intramuscular Benzylpenicillin and arrange emergency ambulance transfer

Answer

Arrange urgent CT head and then admit

Answer

Give oral Amoxicillin and review in 4 hours

Answer

Advise bed rest and fluids at home

Answer

Take blood cultures and wait for results before treatment

Practice question

A 22-year-old student presents with fever, headache, photophobia and neck stiffness. He has a purpuric rash on his trunk. BP is 90/60 mmHg, pulse 120/min. You are the GP seeing him at home. What is the single most appropriate immediate action before transfer to hospital?