A 22-year-old man presents with fever, headache and petechial rash. He is hypotensive and tachycardic. You suspect meningococcal septicaemia. Accordin...

Question

A 22-year-old man presents with fever, headache and petechial rash. He is hypotensive and tachycardic. You suspect meningococcal septicaemia. According to Australian paediatric and adult meningococcal guidelines, what is the most appropriate immediate management?

Accepted Answer

Administer IV or IM ceftriaxone as soon as possible, then arrange urgent transfer

Answer

Wait for lumbar puncture before giving antibiotics

Answer

Give oral amoxicillin and observe in ED

Answer

Start high-dose steroids before antibiotics

Answer

Isolate the patient but delay antibiotics until blood cultures return

au-amc MCQ (SBA): Meningococcal septicaemia - immediate management

A 22-year-old man presents with fever, headache and petechial rash. He is hypotensive and tachycardic. You suspect meningococcal septicaemia. According to Australian paediatric and adult meningococcal guidelines, what is the most appropriate immediate management?