skip to main content

Meningococcal sepsis — RACP Paediatrics MCQ

Instant feedback + full explanation. One question, done properly.

EasyInfectious diseases and immunisationMeningococcal sepsisRACP Paediatrics

A 7-year-old is brought in with fever, leg pain and a rapidly spreading non-blanching purpuric rash. He is drowsy, hypotensive and has capillary refill of 5 seconds. What is the most appropriate management?

Educational content. Not a substitute for clinical judgement or local policy.

Reveal the answer and explanation

Correct answer: D — Immediate parenteral ceftriaxone with sepsis resuscitation

This is suspected meningococcal sepsis with shock, requiring immediate parenteral antibiotics and resuscitation. Lumbar puncture is unsafe and should not delay antibiotics in shock. The pearl is that non-blanching rash plus toxicity is a time-critical emergency, even before meningism is evident.

Reference: RCH Clinical Practice Guidelines: Acute meningococcal disease; Therapeutic Guidelines (eTG): Antibiotic