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Neutropenic sepsis — SCE Acute Medicine MCQ

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EasySepsis and Infectious EmergenciesNeutropenic sepsisSCE Acute Medicine

A 61-year-old man is assessed on the acute medical unit. He is 8 days after chemotherapy and presents with temperature 38.6°C. Neutrophils are 0.2 x10^9/L and he appears clinically unwell. Initial assessment includes relevant observations, bedside tests and urgent blood results. What is the most appropriate next step in management?

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Correct answer: E — Give broad-spectrum intravenous antibiotics within one hour

Give broad-spectrum intravenous antibiotics within one hour is the best answer because febrile neutropenia is an oncological emergency requiring immediate broad-spectrum antibiotics. Start non-invasive ventilation on the acute unit is plausible, but it is less appropriate for the physiology or timing described in this stem. The other distractors either fit a neighbouring presentation, delay definitive treatment, or miss the key immediate risk. Clinical pearl: Do not wait for culture results or neutrophil recovery.

Reference: NICE CG151