Florida State Paramedic Practice Exam

A 20-year-old male becomes unconscious while watching a football game, then awakens with a stiff neck, hot skin, and a rash. What condition is most likely indicated?

1. Stroke

2. Meningitis

3. Sepsis

4. Heat stroke

The correct answer is: Meningitis

The symptoms described in the scenario—unconsciousness, stiff neck, hot skin, and a rash—strongly indicate meningitis. Meningitis is an inflammation of the protective membranes covering the brain and spinal cord, which often presents with a sudden onset of fever, headache, and a stiff neck. The stiff neck is particularly characteristic of meningitis because it can indicate irritation of the meninges, the tissues that protect the central nervous system. The rash noted in this case is especially pertinent, as certain types of bacterial meningitis, such as meningococcal meningitis, can present with a petechial or purpuric rash, which results from bleeding under the skin. The combination of these symptoms occurring in a young adult warrants immediate medical evaluation, as meningitis can rapidly lead to serious complications, including septic shock and death if not treated promptly. While other conditions such as stroke, sepsis, and heat stroke present with overlapping symptoms—such as altered level of consciousness and fever—they do not fit the combination of symptoms as precisely as meningitis does. Stroke typically involves focal neurological deficits, whereas sepsis usually presents with systemic symptoms and does not consistently cause a stiff neck or associated rash. Heat stroke can cause confusion and hot skin,