Question

A 19-year-old university student presents with sudden-onset headache, fever, photophobia and a purpuric rash over the trunk and legs. He is hypotensive and tachycardic. Meningococcal sepsis is suspected. What is the most appropriate immediate management in the emergency department before transfer to a tertiary centre?

Accepted Answer

Start high-dose intravenous benzylpenicillin or a third-generation cephalosporin immediately

Answer

Urgent CT brain followed by lumbar puncture before antibiotics

Answer

Delay antibiotics until blood culture results are available

Answer

Give oral amoxicillin and arrange outpatient review

Answer

Start antiviral therapy only and observe

Practice question