A 68-year-old man presents with acute onset of confusion, fever and a petechial rash. He is hypotensive and tachycardic. You suspect meningococcal sep...

Question

A 68-year-old man presents with acute onset of confusion, fever and a petechial rash. He is hypotensive and tachycardic. You suspect meningococcal sepsis. What is the most appropriate immediate management in the emergency department?

Accepted Answer

Give high-dose intravenous benzylpenicillin or ceftriaxone as soon as possible

Answer

Await CT brain before any treatment

Answer

Start oral antibiotics and discharge with close follow-up

Answer

Perform lumbar puncture before antibiotics

Answer

No antibiotics until an infectious diseases opinion is obtained

au-amc MCQ (SBA): Meningococcal sepsis

A 68-year-old man presents with acute onset of confusion, fever and a petechial rash. He is hypotensive and tachycardic. You suspect meningococcal sepsis. What is the most appropriate immediate management in the emergency department?