Question

A 21-day-old febrile neonate (temperature 38.4 °C) presents to the emergency department. He appears well but is irritable. There is no obvious focus of infection on examination. According to paediatric guidelines, what is the most appropriate management?

Accepted Answer

Full septic workup including blood, urine and CSF cultures and commence empiric IV antibiotics

Answer

Discharge with oral antibiotics and safety-netting

Answer

Blood tests only and review in 24 hours

Answer

Urine culture only and observe in the ED

Answer

Chest X-ray only and oral amoxicillin

Practice question

A 21-day-old febrile neonate (temperature 38.4 °C) presents to the emergency department. He appears well but is irritable. There is no obvious focus of infection on examination. According to paediatric guidelines, what is the most appropriate management?