A 55-year-old woman receiving chemotherapy for acute leukaemia presents with a temperature of 38.9 °C and rigors. Her absolute neutrophil count is 0.2...

Question

A 55-year-old woman receiving chemotherapy for acute leukaemia presents with a temperature of 38.9 °C and rigors. Her absolute neutrophil count is 0.2 × 10⁹/L and blood pressure is 105/70 mmHg. What is the most appropriate initial management?

Accepted Answer

Start broad-spectrum intravenous antibiotics immediately after cultures are drawn

Answer

Discharge with oral antibiotics and arrange 24-hour follow-up

Answer

Wait for culture results before starting antibiotics

Answer

Start oral antiviral therapy

Answer

Observe for 4 hours and treat only if fever persists

ca-mccqe1 MCQ (SBA): Neutropenic fever

A 55-year-old woman receiving chemotherapy for acute leukaemia presents with a temperature of 38.9 °C and rigors. Her absolute neutrophil count is 0.2 × 10⁹/L and blood pressure is 105/70 mmHg. What is the most appropriate initial management?