A young adult goes to the emergency room complaining of headache, dizziness, stiff neck, and purpura with a petechial skin rash.What two tests should the physician immediately perform?

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

When Neisseria meningitidis enters the bloodstream, two main diseases may occur: fulminant meningococcemia or meningitis.Meningococcemia, or sepsis, may occur with or without meningitis and carries a 25% mortality rate, even if treated.Purpura (hemorrhaging of blood into the skin and mucous membranes producing bruises), with petechial skin rash (pinpoint red spots caused by hemorrhage), tachycardia, and hypotension, may develop during bacteremia, and thrombosis is common.

A Young Adult Goes to the Emergency Room Complaining of Headache