A 79-year-old man receiving chemotherapy for lymphoma develops fever of 38.5 °C and rigors. His neutrophil count is 0.2 × 10⁹/L. Blood pressure is 95/...

Question

A 79-year-old man receiving chemotherapy for lymphoma develops fever of 38.5 °C and rigors. His neutrophil count is 0.2 × 10⁹/L. Blood pressure is 95/60 mmHg and heart rate 110 beats/min. What is the most appropriate immediate management?

Accepted Answer

Start broad-spectrum intravenous antibiotics within 60 minutes

Answer

Observe and repeat blood tests in 6 hours

Answer

Order blood cultures but withhold antibiotics until results are available

Answer

Give oral amoxicillin-clavulanate and discharge

Answer

Start prophylactic low-molecular-weight heparin only

au-acem MCQ (SBA): Febrile neutropenia

A 79-year-old man receiving chemotherapy for lymphoma develops fever of 38.5 °C and rigors. His neutrophil count is 0.2 × 10⁹/L. Blood pressure is 95/60 mmHg and heart rate 110 beats/min. What is the most appropriate immediate management?