Case History
12 year old boy referred to hospital by his GP. He was found to be febrile & drowsy with a few non-blanching spots. The GP gave a dose of intra-muscular penicillin and sent him into hospital as an emergency.

18:00 hours ED triage
Fever for a day, generally unwell with headache, regular paracetamol during day. No urine output since very early morning. No neck stiffness or vomiting. Temperature not coming down, new rash on back, increasingly drowsy.

Observations: temp 39.5, pulse 148, RR40, Cold hands and feet. Sats 92% in air. Conscious level is V (AVPU scale). Widespread non- blanching rash on trunk

Nursing actions: probable meningococcal disease, put out emergency call for paediatrics. High-flow oxygen started via facemask. BM done = 6.5.