A 3-year-old boy is brought to the GP with a fever (39.0°C). He appears pale and is very lethargic, difficult to wake fully. His capillary refill time...

Question

A 3-year-old boy is brought to the GP with a fever (39.0°C). He appears pale and is very lethargic, difficult to wake fully. His capillary refill time is 4 seconds. According to the NICE traffic light system, how should this child be managed?

Accepted Answer

Red: Immediate referral to hospital (usually via 999 ambulance)

Answer

Green: Manage at home with safety netting advice

Answer

Amber: Arrange urgent paediatric review (within 2-6 hours)

Answer

Amber: Prescribe oral antibiotics and review in 24 hours

Answer

Red: Perform blood cultures and lumbar puncture in primary care

mrcgp akt MCQ (SBA): Febrile Child Assessment / Sepsis

A 3-year-old boy is brought to the GP with a fever (39.0°C). He appears pale and is very lethargic, difficult to wake fully. His capillary refill time is 4 seconds. According to the NICE traffic light system, how should this child be managed?