Question

A 4-week-old term infant is brought to the emergency department with a history of rectal temperature 38.3 °C at home. On arrival, temperature is 38.1 °C, the baby appears well, and physical examination is normal. According to the Canadian Paediatric Society statement on febrile infants, what is the most appropriate management?

Accepted Answer

Full sepsis evaluation including blood, urine, and cerebrospinal fluid cultures and hospital admission for intravenous antibiotics

Answer

Reassure the parents and discharge without investigations

Answer

Obtain urine for urinalysis and culture only and discharge if normal

Answer

Observe in the emergency department for six hours and discharge if remains well

Answer

Start oral antibiotics and arrange next-day review without investigations

Practice question