Thu18November0755PM 2

This patient was brought in to hospital unresponsive with these initial findings.

Which of the following is the most important initial step in management?

(Please select 1 option)

Lumbar puncture

Blood glucose

CT head scan

Full blood count

Administration of intravenous cefotaxime Correct

Explanation

The picture shows a purpuric rash of meningococcal septicaemia. All the options are relevant in the overall management of a patient with meningococcal disease.

However, administration of intravenous antibiotics is the greatest priority, regardless of whether cultures have been sent.

Further Reading:

Meningitis Research Foundation. Early Management of Suspected Bacterial Meningitis and Meningococcal Septicaemia in Immunocompetent Adults.

Answer Statistics

1

7%

2

8%

3

3%

4

4%

5

80%

Times answered: 269