23rd May 2024

It is 2am in the acute medical unit. The nurses have asked you to see a 38-year-old woman

It is 2am in the acute medical unit. The nurses have asked you to see a 38-year-old woman who was referred by her GP with a suspected urinary tract infection. She arrived at 12.30 am. The nurses have asked you to see her more quickly as they are worried about her. She is lethargic and complains when you turn on the lights. She responds to your questions with 1-word answers which are appropriate. She follows your commands and can open her eyes if you ask her to. Her bloods show a normal CRP and raised WCC at 25 x10⁹. You suspect that this lady has bacterial meningitis. She does not have any signs to suggest shock or sepsis.

What is the most appropriate next step in the management of this patient?

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