Question

A patient with suspected bacterial meningitis presents 1 hour after onset with fever, neck stiffness, and photophobia. What is the recommended initial approach?

Accepted Answer

Start dexamethasone and empiric IV antibiotics immediately after blood cultures

Answer

Obtain MRI before any treatment

Answer

Wait for CSF Gram stain results

Answer

Give oral antibiotics and discharge

Answer

Perform LP only after 24 hours of observation

Practice question

A patient with suspected bacterial meningitis presents 1 hour after onset with fever, neck stiffness, and photophobia. What is the recommended initial approach?