Question

A 21-day-old term infant presents with a rectal temperature of 38.4 °C at home, confirmed in the emergency department. He appears well but is slightly irritable. There is no clear focus of infection on examination. According to Canadian Paediatric Society guidance on young infants with fever, what is the most appropriate management?

Accepted Answer

Perform full sepsis workup including blood, urine, and cerebrospinal fluid cultures, start intravenous broad-spectrum antibiotics, and admit to hospital

Answer

Discharge with antipyretics and review in 24 hours

Answer

Obtain blood and urine cultures, give a dose of intramuscular ceftriaxone, and discharge with close follow-up

Answer

Obtain urine dipstick and, if positive, start oral antibiotics at home

Answer

Observe in the emergency department for 6 hours without investigations or antibiotics

Practice question