A 5-year-year-old boy with fever and neck stiffness is suspected of having bacterial meningitis. According to CPS guidance, what is the most appropria...

Question

A 5-year-year-old boy with fever and neck stiffness is suspected of having bacterial meningitis. According to CPS guidance, what is the most appropriate immediate management?

Accepted Answer

Start empiric intravenous antibiotics immediately after blood cultures, with or without lumbar puncture depending on stability

Answer

Obtain brain MRI before any treatment

Answer

Perform lumbar puncture only, then delay antibiotics until CSF results are available

Answer

Observe for 24 hours to see if symptoms improve

Answer

Give oral antibiotics and discharge

ca-mccqe1 MCQ (SBA): Bacterial meningitis

A 5-year-year-old boy with fever and neck stiffness is suspected of having bacterial meningitis. According to CPS guidance, what is the most appropriate immediate management?