A 59-year-old woman receiving chemotherapy for acute myeloid leukaemia presents with fever 38.5°C and chills. Her neutrophil count is 0.2 ×10⁹/L. She ...

Question

A 59-year-old woman receiving chemotherapy for acute myeloid leukaemia presents with fever 38.5°C and chills. Her neutrophil count is 0.2 ×10⁹/L. She appears stable and has no localising signs. According to Canadian guidelines, what is the most appropriate immediate management?

Accepted Answer

Start broad-spectrum IV antibiotics within 60 minutes

Answer

Observe without antibiotics because she is stable

Answer

Start oral antibiotics and discharge with close follow-up

Answer

Wait for blood culture results before starting antibiotics

Answer

Give paracetamol (acetaminophen) only for fever

ca-rcpsc-em MCQ (SBA): Febrile neutropenia

A 59-year-old woman receiving chemotherapy for acute myeloid leukaemia presents with fever 38.5°C and chills. Her neutrophil count is 0.2 ×10⁹/L. She appears stable and has no localising signs. According to Canadian guidelines, what is the most appropriate immediate management?