A 34-year-old with fever, headache, and neck stiffness has suspected bacterial meningitis. Antibiotics and dexamethasone are started immediately after...

Question

A 34-year-old with fever, headache, and neck stiffness has suspected bacterial meningitis. Antibiotics and dexamethasone are started immediately after blood cultures. What additional step is correct regarding timing?

Accepted Answer

Start empiric therapy immediately after cultures; obtain LP as soon as feasible

Answer

Delay antibiotics until after LP is completed

Answer

Give dexamethasone after first antibiotic dose

Answer

Avoid LP entirely if CT is normal

Answer

Wait for CSF PCR before antibiotics

us-abem MCQ (SBA): Bacterial Meningitis (Initial Management)

A 34-year-old with fever, headache, and neck stiffness has suspected bacterial meningitis. Antibiotics and dexamethasone are started immediately after blood cultures. What additional step is correct regarding timing?