Question

A 15-month-old fully immunised girl presents with a rectal temperature of 38.6°C for 24 hours but is otherwise alert, feeding, and playful. Examination is unremarkable and no focus of infection is identified. There are no red flags and reliable caregivers are present. What is the most appropriate management?

Accepted Answer

Provide antipyretics for comfort, safety-net advice and review if not improving or if red flags develop

Answer

Start empirical oral antibiotics and review in 48 hours

Answer

Order urgent full blood count, CRP, blood culture and lumbar puncture

Answer

Admit for IV antibiotics and sepsis work-up

Answer

Order an urgent chest X-ray and urine microscopy and culture in all such children

Practice question