Question

A 5-week-old previously healthy infant is brought to the emergency department with a rectal temperature of 38.6 °C. He is irritable but consolable, feeding slightly less than usual. Examination is otherwise unremarkable. What is the most appropriate management strategy?

Accepted Answer

Perform full septic workup including blood, urine and cerebrospinal fluid cultures and admit for intravenous antibiotics.

Answer

Reassure the parents and discharge with antipyretics only.

Answer

Obtain urine for dipstick and culture only and treat empirically if positive.

Answer

Order chest radiograph only.

Answer

Treat with oral amoxicillin-clavulanate as an outpatient.

Practice question

A 5-week-old previously healthy infant is brought to the emergency department with a rectal temperature of 38.6 °C. He is irritable but consolable, feeding slightly less than usual. Examination is otherwise unremarkable. What is the most appropriate management strategy?