A 19-year-old university student presents with fever, headache, photophobia and a non-blanching petechial rash on his trunk. He is drowsy and hypotens...

Question

A 19-year-old university student presents with fever, headache, photophobia and a non-blanching petechial rash on his trunk. He is drowsy and hypotensive. What is the most appropriate immediate management?

Accepted Answer

Give empirical intravenous Ceftriaxone and urgent transfer to hospital

Answer

Wait for lumbar puncture before starting antibiotics

Answer

Start oral antibiotics and review in 24 hours

Answer

Treat with antiviral therapy for suspected viral meningitis

Answer

Discharge with safety-netting advice only

uk-plab-1 MCQ (SBA): Meningococcal sepsis/meningitis

A 19-year-old university student presents with fever, headache, photophobia and a non-blanching petechial rash on his trunk. He is drowsy and hypotensive. What is the most appropriate immediate management?