Question

A 21-day-old term infant is brought to the emergency department with a rectal temperature of 38.5 °C measured at home. The baby is feeding slightly less but appears alert with normal vital signs and examination. Pregnancy and delivery were uncomplicated. Which management is most appropriate?

Accepted Answer

Perform full sepsis evaluation including blood, urine and cerebrospinal fluid cultures and start empiric intravenous antibiotics

Answer

Observe in the emergency department and discharge if afebrile after 2 hours

Answer

Send blood and urine cultures and manage as an outpatient with close follow-up

Answer

Give a single intramuscular dose of ceftriaxone and discharge home

Answer

Reassure the parents that fever is common and no investigations are required

Practice question

A 21-day-old term infant is brought to the emergency department with a rectal temperature of 38.5 °C measured at home. The baby is feeding slightly less but appears alert with normal vital signs and examination. Pregnancy and delivery were uncomplicated. Which management is most appropriate?