Deck 178: Infections of the Central Nervous System

Question 1

A provider suspects that a patient has bacterial meningitis. When should antibiotics be given?

A) If the serum C-reactive protein is greater than 10 mg/L
B) Immediately after blood and spinal cultures are obtained
C) Prior to obtaining a computed tomography (CT) scan or lumbar puncture (LP)
D) When initial spinal fluid gram stain results are available

Answer 1

C

Question 2

A patient is brought to the emergency department with fever, lethargy, and headache. No meningeal signs are noted. The examination reveals hypotension and lethargy and the examiner notes petechiae on the patient's trunk. What do these findings indicate?

A) Progressing meningococcemia
B) Encephalitis
C) Increased intracranial pressure (ICP)
D) Probable viral infection

Answer 2

A