20th June 2024

A 56-year-old man is admitted to hospital with a 3-week history of fevers, malaise

A 56-year-old man is admitted to hospital with a 3-week history of fevers, malaise and anorexia. He has no past medical history of note and is not on any medication. He is pyrexial, blood pressure is 124/62 mmHg, pulse rate is 108/min, respiratory rate is 20/min and SpO2 is 95% on room air. On examination, he is confused with neck stiffness and a positive Kernig’s sign. There is also a pansystolic murmur at the left sternal edge. Blood cultures show Streptococcus pneumoniae.

What is the appropriate initial antibiotic regime for this patient?

Select the SINGLE most appropriate option from the list below. Select ONE option only.