A 21-year-old university student living in residence presents with fever, headache, neck stiffness and photophobia. You suspect meningococcal meningit...

Question

A 21-year-old university student living in residence presents with fever, headache, neck stiffness and photophobia. You suspect meningococcal meningitis. What is the most appropriate immediate management step?

Accepted Answer

Start empiric intravenous antibiotics immediately after blood cultures, and perform lumbar puncture when safe

Answer

Order CT head before any treatment

Answer

Obtain blood cultures and lumbar puncture, then start antibiotics

Answer

Wait for CSF PCR results before treating

Answer

Start oral antibiotics in the emergency department and discharge

ca-mccqe1 MCQ (SBA): Bacterial meningitis initial management

A 21-year-old university student living in residence presents with fever, headache, neck stiffness and photophobia. You suspect meningococcal meningitis. What is the most appropriate immediate management step?