A 74-year-old man on chemotherapy for lymphoma presents with a temperature of 38.6°C, feeling unwell and rigors. His neutrophil count is 0.2 × 10⁹/L. ...

Question

A 74-year-old man on chemotherapy for lymphoma presents with a temperature of 38.6°C, feeling unwell and rigors. His neutrophil count is 0.2 × 10⁹/L. Blood pressure is 102/64 mmHg and pulse 105/min. What is the most appropriate immediate management?

Accepted Answer

Admit urgently and give broad-spectrum IV antibiotics within 1 hour

Answer

Reassure and arrange GP review in 24 hours

Answer

Start oral Amoxicillin and review in 48 hours

Answer

Await blood culture results before starting antibiotics

Answer

Give paracetamol alone and review next day

uk-plab-1 MCQ (SBA): Neutropenic sepsis

A 74-year-old man on chemotherapy for lymphoma presents with a temperature of 38.6°C, feeling unwell and rigors. His neutrophil count is 0.2 × 10⁹/L. Blood pressure is 102/64 mmHg and pulse 105/min. What is the most appropriate immediate management?