Question

A well-appearing 6-week-old infant (42 days old) presents with a rectal temperature of 38.3°C documented at home. The infant feeds well and has a normal examination. According to the CPS guideline on febrile young infants, what is the most appropriate management strategy?

Accepted Answer

Age-stratified workup with risk-based use of lumbar puncture, antibiotics and either admission or close follow-up

Answer

No investigations; reassure and discharge

Answer

Full sepsis workup with lumbar puncture and mandatory admission for all infants ≤90 days

Answer

Empiric oral antibiotics without investigations

Answer

Delay any evaluation until fever persists for 72 hours

Practice question

A well-appearing 6-week-old infant (42 days old) presents with a rectal temperature of 38.3°C documented at home. The infant feeds well and has a normal examination. According to the CPS guideline on febrile young infants, what is the most appropriate management strategy?