A 60-year-old female presents with acute severe headache, neck stiffness, fever of 39.5°C, photophobia, and a non-blanching petechial rash. Her GCS is...

Question

A 60-year-old female presents with acute severe headache, neck stiffness, fever of 39.5°C, photophobia, and a non-blanching petechial rash. Her GCS is 13 and she is haemodynamically stable. What is the most critical pre-hospital intervention?

Accepted Answer

Administer IM or IV benzylpenicillin 1.2 g immediately and transport urgently

Answer

Administer IV ceftriaxone 2 g

Answer

Administer IV dexamethasone before antibiotics

Answer

Observe and transport - antibiotics should be given in hospital

Answer

Lumbar puncture to confirm the diagnosis before treatment

uk-dipimc MCQ (SBA): Meningococcal Septicaemia

A 60-year-old female presents with acute severe headache, neck stiffness, fever of 39.5°C, photophobia, and a non-blanching petechial rash. Her GCS is 13 and she is haemodynamically stable. What is the most critical pre-hospital intervention?