A 19-year-old university student presents with sudden onset fever, headache, photophobia and a purpuric rash. He is hypotensive and tachycardic. What ...

Question

A 19-year-old university student presents with sudden onset fever, headache, photophobia and a purpuric rash. He is hypotensive and tachycardic. What is the most appropriate immediate management?

Accepted Answer

Administer intravenous benzylpenicillin or a third-generation cephalosporin immediately and arrange urgent transfer

Answer

Arrange urgent CT brain before antibiotics

Answer

Observe closely and await blood culture results

Answer

Give oral amoxycillin and review tomorrow

Answer

Isolate only if CSF culture proves meningococcal infection

au-amc MCQ (SBA): Meningococcal sepsis/meningitis

A 19-year-old university student presents with sudden onset fever, headache, photophobia and a purpuric rash. He is hypotensive and tachycardic. What is the most appropriate immediate management?