Meningococcemia physical examination


 * Associate Editor(s)-In-Chief:

Physical Examination

 * Fever
 * Not infrequently hypotension and shock

Skin

 * Petechial rash manifesting as discrete lesions 1-2 mm in diameter frequently on the trunk and lower portions of the body.
 * Petechial regions can coalesce and form larger lesions that appear ecchymotic.
 * A rash may appear that mimics a viral exanthem, particularly rubella. Not purpuric and non-pruritis and is transient, generally not lasting more than 2 days and is frequently gone hours after first observation.

Eyes

 * Palpebral and ocular conjunctival petechia.

Heart

 * Congestive heart failure, myocarditis, pericarditis may be present

Lungs
Rales may be present, consolidation may be present if pneumonia is present

Neurologic
Nuchal rigidity and seizures may be present