A 2-month-old febrile infant (rectal temperature 38.5°C) presents to the emergency department. He is irritable but drinking, with no focal signs. What...

Question

A 2-month-old febrile infant (rectal temperature 38.5°C) presents to the emergency department. He is irritable but drinking, with no focal signs. What is the most appropriate management strategy?

Accepted Answer

Admit for full septic screen and empirical intravenous antibiotics

Answer

Reassure and discharge with paracetamol only

Answer

Arrange outpatient blood tests and review in 48 hours

Answer

Start oral amoxicillin and discharge

Answer

Request chest X-ray only

au-amc MCQ (SBA): Serious bacterial infection risk in infants

A 2-month-old febrile infant (rectal temperature 38.5°C) presents to the emergency department. He is irritable but drinking, with no focal signs. What is the most appropriate management strategy?