What is the first step when meningitis with meningococcal rash is suspected in primary care?
Answer and explanation
Correct answer: C. Give parenteral antibiotics and transfer to hospital
- Step 1: Delay in antibiotics increases mortality.
- Step 2: Antibiotics should be given as soon as possible.
Answer
Give parenteral antibiotics and transfer to hospital.
Why not the others: 'Wait for a CSF result before any treatment' delays life-saving treatment; 'Prescribe oral paracetamol and review in 24 hours' is unsafe; 'Order an outpatient CT scan and review' delays treatment.
Practise more Internal Medicine and Emergency Therapeutics.
Free questions with an explanation for every one, and full timed Qatar Healthcare Practitioner Licensing Exam (QCHP / DHP) mock tests.
More Internal Medicine and Emergency Therapeutics questions
- A 62-year-old male with long-standing hypertension presents with crushing substernal chest pressure radiating to his left jaw. ECG reveals 3…
- A 54-year-old female presents to the emergency department with fever, right flank pain, and dysuria. Blood pressure is 82/50 mmHg, heart rat…
- A 70-year-old male with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) presents with worsening dyspnea, increased sputum volume, and purulence…
- A 35-year-old woman presents with palpitations, heat intolerance, weight loss, and bilateral exophthalmos. Thyroid examination reveals a dif…
- A 28-year-old type 1 diabetic is admitted with nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, and Kussmaul breathing. Laboratory findings reveal blood gl…
- A 45-year-old male with alcohol use disorder presents with confusion, ataxia, and horizontal nystagmus. What medication must be administered…