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Meningococcal sepsis — DipIMC MCQ

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EasyPaediatric and Obstetric EmergenciesMeningococcal sepsisDipIMC

A 3-year-old has fever, non-blanching rash, mottled skin and a capillary refill time of 5 seconds. Parents report rapid deterioration over two hours. What is the most appropriate transport decision?

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Correct answer: A — Pre-alert and transport urgently for suspected meningococcal sepsis while supporting ABCs

Fever with non-blanching rash and shock signs is meningococcal sepsis until proven otherwise. Urgent transfer, pre-alert and supportive care are needed; antibiotics may be administered pre-hospital according to local scope without delaying transport. Observation at home is unsafe. The pearl is that children can compensate, then collapse rapidly.

Reference: JRCALC Guidelines 2025; NICE Sepsis NG51; NICE Meningitis guidance