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Suspected Meningococcal Disease — UKMLA MCQ

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MediumInfectious DiseasesSuspected Meningococcal DiseaseUKMLAMRCEM SBAPARAMRCP Part 1

A 33-year-old with suspected meningitis (fever, neck stiffness, photophobia) in primary care. What is the correct immediate step?

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Correct answer: B — Give immediate IV/IM benzylpenicillin if meningococcal disease suspected and arrange urgent transfer

If meningococcal sepsis/meningitis suspected in the community, give immediate parenteral benzylpenicillin and arrange urgent hospital transfer; delaying antibiotics is unsafe; oral therapy or observation is inappropriate; imaging is not the immediate step.

Reference: NICE NG240: Meningitis (bacterial) and meningococcal disease in under 16s (principles apply to suspected adult meningococcal sepsis—urgent antibiotics and transfer)