A 29-year-old backpacker presents with fever, worsening headache, photophobia and neck stiffness. He is drowsy but rousable. You suspect acute bacteri...

Question

A 29-year-old backpacker presents with fever, worsening headache, photophobia and neck stiffness. He is drowsy but rousable. You suspect acute bacterial meningitis. What is the most appropriate immediate management step after blood cultures?

Accepted Answer

Empiric IV antibiotics and dexamethasone before CT or LP

Answer

CT brain then lumbar puncture before antibiotics

Answer

Immediate lumbar puncture before antibiotics

Answer

Observation and await LP results before antibiotics

Answer

Start oral antibiotics and arrange outpatient LP

au-amc MCQ (SBA): Acute bacterial meningitis

A 29-year-old backpacker presents with fever, worsening headache, photophobia and neck stiffness. He is drowsy but rousable. You suspect acute bacterial meningitis. What is the most appropriate immediate management step after blood cultures?