Question

A 59-year-old woman with metastatic breast cancer on chemotherapy presents with fever 38.5 °C and rigors. Her absolute neutrophil count is 0.3 × 10⁹/L. Blood pressure is 100/60 mmHg, heart rate 110 beats/min, and she looks unwell. What is the most appropriate immediate management?

Accepted Answer

Administer broad-spectrum intravenous antibiotics within 60 minutes

Answer

Observe and wait for culture results before starting antibiotics

Answer

Start oral amoxicillin-clavulanate and review in 24 hours

Answer

Discharge with paracetamol for fever control

Answer

Start prophylactic antiviral therapy only

Practice question

A 59-year-old woman with metastatic breast cancer on chemotherapy presents with fever 38.5 °C and rigors. Her absolute neutrophil count is 0.3 × 10⁹/L. Blood pressure is 100/60 mmHg, heart rate 110 beats/min, and she looks unwell. What is the most appropriate immediate management?