Which clinical signs are associated with meningococcemia?

Meningococcemia is a serious bloodstream infection caused by the bacterium Neisseria meningitidis. The clinical signs associated with meningococcemia are indeed characterized by fever and purpura.

Fever indicates a systemic response to infection and is commonly observed in patients with meningococcemia due to the body’s immune response to the bacteria. Purpura, which are small, purple-colored spots on the skin, result from the bleeding under the skin or from disseminated intravascular coagulation (DIC), a complication that can occur due to the overwhelming inflammatory response and vascular injury caused by the meningococcus bacteria. This presentation can rapidly progress to septic shock and requires immediate medical attention.

Other choices, while showing symptoms related to different conditions, do not specifically align with the hallmark signs of meningococcemia. Hypertension and tachycardia may occur due to various reasons in critical illness but do not specifically indicate meningococcemia. Chest pain and cough are more associated with respiratory infections or pulmonary conditions, while abdominal pain and diarrhea may pertain to gastrointestinal infections or conditions unrelated to meningococcemia. Thus, fever and purpura are the key clinical signs that define this critical condition.