Question

A 21-year-old university student presents with sudden onset fever, headache, photophobia and purpuric rash. He is hypotensive and tachycardic. Suspected meningococcal sepsis is diagnosed clinically. What is the most appropriate immediate antibiotic management?

Accepted Answer

Administer IV benzylpenicillin or ceftriaxone immediately before transfer

Answer

Delay antibiotics until lumbar puncture can be performed

Answer

Give oral amoxicillin and review in 4 hours

Answer

Await blood culture results to guide targeted therapy

Answer

Use IV vancomycin alone as empirical therapy

Practice question

A 21-year-old university student presents with sudden onset fever, headache, photophobia and purpuric rash. He is hypotensive and tachycardic. Suspected meningococcal sepsis is diagnosed clinically. What is the most appropriate immediate antibiotic management?