A 20-year-old university student presents to a Sydney ED, triage category 1, with fever, headache, photophobia and a non-blanching purpuric rash. BP

Question

A 20-year-old university student presents to a Sydney ED, triage category 1, with fever, headache, photophobia and a non-blanching purpuric rash. BP 92/58, HR 132, GCS 14. CT is not immediately available. What is the most important immediate action?

Accepted Answer

Give IV ceftriaxone immediately

Answer

Give oral amoxicillin and discharge

Answer

Arrange outpatient dermatology review

Answer

Wait for lumbar puncture before antibiotics

Answer

Use corticosteroids as sole treatment

Meningococcal meningitis — ACEM Fellowship MCQ

A 20-year-old university student presents to a Sydney ED, triage category 1, with fever, headache, photophobia and a non-blanching purpuric rash. BP 92/58, HR 132, GCS 14. CT is not immediately available. What is the most important immediate action?