A 22-year-old college student is brought to the emergency department with a sudden onset of high fever, severe headache, neck stiffness, and a petechial rash. Cerebrospinal fluid analysis shows gram-negative diplococci. Which intervention is the highest priority?

✓ Correct Answer: Option B

This patient presents with classic signs of bacterial meningitis, likely Neisseria meningitidis given the rash and CSF findings. Prompt administration of empiric broad-spectrum antibiotics is the highest priority to reduce morbidity and mortality. Dexamethasone is often given, but after antibiotics, and CT is not higher priority than antibiotics.