A 60-year-old man with lymphoma receiving chemotherapy presents with temperature 38.5 °C and rigors. His neutrophil count is 0.3 × 10⁹/L. Blood pressu...

Question

A 60-year-old man with lymphoma receiving chemotherapy presents with temperature 38.5 °C and rigors. His neutrophil count is 0.3 × 10⁹/L. Blood pressure and oxygen saturation are currently normal. What is the most appropriate immediate management?

Accepted Answer

Start immediate broad-spectrum intravenous antibiotics and obtain blood cultures

Answer

Observe and repeat full blood count the next day

Answer

Start oral amoxicillin-clavulanate and review in 24 hours

Answer

Give paracetamol only and send home with safety netting

Answer

Delay antibiotics pending CT scans

au-acem MCQ (SBA): Febrile neutropenia

A 60-year-old man with lymphoma receiving chemotherapy presents with temperature 38.5 °C and rigors. His neutrophil count is 0.3 × 10⁹/L. Blood pressure and oxygen saturation are currently normal. What is the most appropriate immediate management?