Question

A 6-month-old infant is brought to the GP with a 2-day history of fever, poor feeding, and irritability. On examination, the temperature is 38.8°C. The anterior fontanelle is full. The GP suspects meningitis. According to NICE NG51, what is the most appropriate immediate action in primary care?

Accepted Answer

Administer parenteral benzylpenicillin (unless history of penicillin allergy) and arrange urgent hospital admission

Answer

Administer oral amoxicillin and review in 24 hours

Answer

Perform a lumbar puncture in the surgery

Answer

Advise paracetamol and ibuprofen for fever and arrange urgent hospital admission

Answer

Send a urine sample for MCS and await results

Practice question

A 6-month-old infant is brought to the GP with a 2-day history of fever, poor feeding, and irritability. On examination, the temperature is 38.8°C. The anterior fontanelle is full. The GP suspects meningitis. According to NICE NG51, what is the most appropriate immediate action in primary care?