Question

A 56-year-old woman undergoing adjuvant chemotherapy for breast cancer develops a fever of 38.5°C and chills. Her absolute neutrophil count is 0.3 × 10⁹/L. Blood pressure is 110/70 mm Hg and she appears unwell. What is the most appropriate initial management?

Accepted Answer

Start broad-spectrum intravenous antibiotics immediately after cultures

Answer

Observe and repeat temperature in 4 hours

Answer

Start oral antibiotics and discharge

Answer

Give paracetamol alone and reassess

Answer

Delay antibiotics until neutrophil count improves

Practice question

A 56-year-old woman undergoing adjuvant chemotherapy for breast cancer develops a fever of 38.5°C and chills. Her absolute neutrophil count is 0.3 × 10⁹/L. Blood pressure is 110/70 mm Hg and she appears unwell. What is the most appropriate initial management?