A 62-year-old man with metastatic colorectal cancer receiving chemotherapy presents with fever 38.5 °C and rigours. His absolute neutrophil count is 0...

Question

A 62-year-old man with metastatic colorectal cancer receiving chemotherapy presents with fever 38.5 °C and rigours. His absolute neutrophil count is 0.3 x 10^9 per litre. Blood pressure is 110/70 mm Hg. What is the most appropriate immediate management?

Accepted Answer

Administer prompt broad-spectrum intravenous antibiotics and admit for monitoring

Answer

Observe without antibiotics because blood pressure is normal

Answer

Start oral amoxicillin-clavulanate in clinic and discharge

Answer

Order blood cultures and wait for results before treating

Answer

Give antiviral therapy empirically

ca-mccqe1 MCQ (SBA): Febrile neutropenia

A 62-year-old man with metastatic colorectal cancer receiving chemotherapy presents with fever 38.5 °C and rigours. His absolute neutrophil count is 0.3 x 10^9 per litre. Blood pressure is 110/70 mm Hg. What is the most appropriate immediate management?