Question

A 9-month-old well-appearing infant presents with fever 38.5 °C for 8 hours and no clear source. According to CPS guidance on febrile infants ≤90 days and extrapolation beyond that age, which principle is most appropriate for an otherwise healthy, immunised 9‑month‑old?

Accepted Answer

Outpatient management with careful clinical assessment and safety-netting is appropriate if the child is well and no red flags are present

Answer

Full sepsis work-up including lumbar puncture is mandatory in all febrile infants under 12 months

Answer

Empiric intravenous antibiotics should be started in all febrile infants under 12 months

Answer

Antipyretics should be avoided because fever is beneficial

Answer

Parents should be reassured that meningitis cannot occur beyond 6 months of age

Practice question

A 9-month-old well-appearing infant presents with fever 38.5 °C for 8 hours and no clear source. According to CPS guidance on febrile infants ≤90 days and extrapolation beyond that age, which principle is most appropriate for an otherwise healthy, immunised 9‑month‑old?