A 19-year-old university student is brought to the Emergency Department by friends. He has a high fever (39.5°C), severe headache, neck stiffness, and...

Question

A 19-year-old university student is brought to the Emergency Department by friends. He has a high fever (39.5°C), severe headache, neck stiffness, and photophobia. Over the last hour, he has become increasingly drowsy and developed a non-blanching petechial rash on his trunk and limbs. What is the single most important immediate action?

Accepted Answer

Administer intravenous Ceftriaxone

Answer

Perform lumbar puncture

Answer

Administer intravenous Benzylpenicillin

Answer

Obtain urgent CT head scan

Answer

Administer intravenous Dexamethasone

ukmla MCQ (SBA): Bacterial Meningitis / Meningococcal Septicaemia