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Febrile infant — ABFM Board MCQ

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ModeratePediatrics and adolescent medicineFebrile infantABFM Board

A 6-week-old infant has a rectal temperature of 38.3°C and appears mildly irritable. There is no clear source on examination. Immunizations are not yet complete. Which of the following is the most appropriate next step?

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Correct answer: C — Urgent evaluation for serious bacterial infection

Young febrile infants require risk stratification and often urgent evaluation because serious bacterial infection may present subtly.

Reference: AAP Clinical Practice Guidelines: https://www.aap.org/en/quality-improvement/clinical-practice-guidelines/