Question

A 20-day-old term infant is brought to the emergency department with a history of rectal temperature 38.5 °C at home and poor feeding. On examination, the infant appears well but is irritable. Vital signs are normal. According to current Canadian guidance, what is the most appropriate management?

Accepted Answer

Full septic work-up including blood, urine and CSF cultures, and admit for empiric intravenous antibiotics

Answer

Reassure parents and arrange outpatient review in 24 hours

Answer

Perform limited blood tests only and discharge if results are normal

Answer

Administer intramuscular acetaminophen and observe in the department for 2 hours

Answer

Advise parents to alternate acetaminophen and ibuprofen at home

Practice question

A 20-day-old term infant is brought to the emergency department with a history of rectal temperature 38.5 °C at home and poor feeding. On examination, the infant appears well but is irritable. Vital signs are normal. According to current Canadian guidance, what is the most appropriate management?