A 30-year-old man presents with a severe headache, photophobia, and neck stiffness developing over the past 12 hours. He has a temperature of 39.2°C a...

Question

A 30-year-old man presents with a severe headache, photophobia, and neck stiffness developing over the past 12 hours. He has a temperature of 39.2°C and appears drowsy. There is a non-blanching petechial rash on his trunk and limbs. What is the single most important immediate action in primary care or the emergency department?

Accepted Answer

Administer parenteral benzylpenicillin

Answer

Perform lumbar puncture

Answer

Administer IV dexamethasone

Answer

Arrange urgent CT head scan

Answer

Administer IV ceftriaxone

mrcgp akt MCQ (SBA): Bacterial Meningitis / Meningococcal Septicaemia