04-15-2007, 08:00 AM
A 19-year-old college student is brought to the
emergency department by his roommate because
the patient was difficult to arouse in the morning.
He has had a flu-like illness with fever and muscle
and joint aches for 12 hours. His temperature is
39.5EC (103.1EF), pulse is 120/min, and blood
pressure is 90/60 mm Hg. There is a diffuse
petechial rash over the trunk and extremities. He
has a stiff neck that cannot be passively flexed.
Which of the following is the most likely
pathogen?
(A) Coxsackievirus B
(B) Echovirus
© Haemophilus influenzae
(D) Neisseria meningitidis
(E) Streptococcus pneumoniae
emergency department by his roommate because
the patient was difficult to arouse in the morning.
He has had a flu-like illness with fever and muscle
and joint aches for 12 hours. His temperature is
39.5EC (103.1EF), pulse is 120/min, and blood
pressure is 90/60 mm Hg. There is a diffuse
petechial rash over the trunk and extremities. He
has a stiff neck that cannot be passively flexed.
Which of the following is the most likely
pathogen?
(A) Coxsackievirus B
(B) Echovirus
© Haemophilus influenzae
(D) Neisseria meningitidis
(E) Streptococcus pneumoniae