Question

A 15-year-old girl presents to an urban emergency department with fever, neck stiffness and photophobia. You suspect meningococcal meningitis. What is the most appropriate immediate action?

Accepted Answer

Start empiric IV antibiotics immediately after blood cultures

Answer

Order CT head before any treatment

Answer

Wait for lumbar puncture results before antibiotics

Answer

Give acetaminophen only and observe

Answer

Discharge with oral antibiotics and safety-netting

Practice question

A 15-year-old girl presents to an urban emergency department with fever, neck stiffness and photophobia. You suspect meningococcal meningitis. What is the most appropriate immediate action?