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Febrile infant under 3 months — MCCQE Part 1 MCQ

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EasyChild with FeverFebrile infant under 3 monthsMCCQE Part 1

A 6-week-old infant has fever of 38.4°C measured rectally and reduced feeding. Examination shows no clear source; the infant is irritable but perfused. Which of the following is the most appropriate next step?

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Correct answer: E — Urgent paediatric assessment for serious bacterial infection work-up and empiric antibiotics according to age-risk pathway

Fever in infants under 3 months can represent invasive bacterial infection even without localizing signs. Age-specific Canadian paediatric pathways guide blood, urine and sometimes CSF testing plus empiric antibiotics. Teething and antipyretics alone should not be used to dismiss rectal fever in this age group.

Reference: Canadian Paediatric Society febrile infant guidance; provincial paediatric fever pathways