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Meningococcal sepsis — DipIMC MCQ

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HardMedical EmergenciesMeningococcal sepsisDipIMC

A 17-year-old student is febrile, photophobic and increasingly drowsy in halls of residence. He has a non-blanching purpuric rash, pulse 136/min, systolic blood pressure 88 mmHg and capillary refill 5 seconds. What is the most appropriate transport decision?

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Correct answer: B — Give oxygen, manage shock, administer pre-hospital antibiotics if within scope and transfer urgently

Meningococcal sepsis is time-critical; pre-hospital care should prioritise ABCDE, shock treatment, early antibiotics where available and urgent pre-alert. Blood cultures should not delay antibiotics in suspected meningococcal disease. Diagnostic uncertainty is expected in the field but should not delay escalation.

Reference: JRCALC Guidelines; NICE meningitis guidance