A previously healthy 19-year-old man who lives in a university dormitory is brought to the emergency department with 12 hours of fever, severe headache, photophobia, and neck stiffness. He takes no medications, has no known allergies, and is not immunocompromised. On examination he is drowsy but rousable (Glasgow Coma Scale 14), has marked nuchal rigidity, and has no focal neurologic deficit or papilledema. His roommate and girlfriend have accompanied him. Blood cultures have been drawn and a lumbar puncture is planned.
| Heart rate | 108/min |
| Respiratory rate | 22/min |
| Temperature | 39.4 °C |
| O2 saturation | 97%, room air |
| Blood pressure | 118/72 mm Hg |
Question 1 of 29
Which of the following are the most appropriate components of initial empiric therapy, to be started immediately and without waiting for lumbar puncture results?
Select 3. (0 / 3 selected)
Tip: right-click an answer (or press and hold on a phone) to strike it out. Drag over the question text to highlight it.