A 70-year-old woman undergoing adjuvant chemotherapy for breast cancer presents with fever 38.5°C and rigors. Her neutrophil count is 0.3 × 10⁹/L. Acc...

Question

A 70-year-old woman undergoing adjuvant chemotherapy for breast cancer presents with fever 38.5°C and rigors. Her neutrophil count is 0.3 × 10⁹/L. According to Australian neutropenic sepsis protocols, what is the most appropriate immediate management?

Accepted Answer

Immediate broad-spectrum intravenous antibiotics and urgent hospital admission

Answer

Observe and repeat blood tests in 6 hours

Answer

Start high-dose oral amoxicillin at home

Answer

Start oral aciclovir

Answer

Withhold antibiotics until culture results are available

au-amc MCQ (SBA): Febrile neutropenia

A 70-year-old woman undergoing adjuvant chemotherapy for breast cancer presents with fever 38.5°C and rigors. Her neutrophil count is 0.3 × 10⁹/L. According to Australian neutropenic sepsis protocols, what is the most appropriate immediate management?