QuestionSBA
QuestionChoice
The first line of treatment for suspected meningococcal disease while being transferred to hospital in an ambulance is an intramuscular or intravenous dose of benzylpenicillin. In the hospital, treatment is by intravenous cefotaxime or ceftriaxone based on local guidelines.
10003010
e
Nitrofurantoin IV
QuestionChoice
Viral encephalitis will also be a differential for the presentation, and this can be covered with intravenous aciclovir till the confirmation of diagnosis. However, this cannot be administered in an ambulance setting, and is hence, not the most appropriate management.
10003007
b
Aciclovir IV
QuestionChoice
A presentation of fever, lethargy, non-blanching rash and bulging fontanelle in a 3-month-old infant is meningitis with meningococcal septicaemia. This requires urgent treatment with antibiotics. As this infant is being transferred in an ambulance, the best initial treatment is an intramuscular (or intravenous) dose of benzylpenicillin.
10003006
a
Benzylpenicillin IM
QuestionChoice
The first line of treatment for suspected meningococcal disease while being transferred to a hospital in an ambulance is an intramuscular or intravenous dose of benzylpenicllin. Cefotaxime is the alternative given if the patient has a penicillin allergy, however, this is not indicated in the question.
10003008
c
Cefotaxime IM
QuestionChoice
The first line of treatment for suspected meningococcal disease while being transferred to a hospital in an ambulance is an intramuscular or intravenous dose of benzylpenicillin. In the hospital, treatment is by intravenous cefotaxime or ceftriaxone based on local guidelines.
10003009
d
Amoxicillin IV
Concept
Chapter
2693
4102
Meningitis
Topic
194
Infectious Diseases
13148
A 3-month-old male is being transported to A&E in an ambulance. He is presenting with a 4 day history of fever and lethargy.

On examination, he has a non-blanching rash on his legs and a bulging fontanelle. He has no known allergies. What is the best initial management in the most probable condition?
a