Question

A 21-day-old term infant is brought to the emergency department with a rectal temperature of 38.5 °C. The baby is feeding slightly less but appears otherwise well. According to Canadian Paediatric Society guidance, what is the most appropriate management?

Accepted Answer

Full septic workup, including blood, urine and CSF cultures, and start empiric intravenous antibiotics

Answer

Reassure and review in 24 hours without investigations

Answer

Obtain urine for culture only and treat if positive

Answer

Give paracetamol (acetaminophen) and observe for 6 hours

Answer

Arrange outpatient blood tests only

Practice question

A 21-day-old term infant is brought to the emergency department with a rectal temperature of 38.5 °C. The baby is feeding slightly less but appears otherwise well. According to Canadian Paediatric Society guidance, what is the most appropriate management?