Question

A 72-year-old woman with metastatic breast cancer on chemotherapy presents with a fever of 38.6 °C and rigors. Her absolute neutrophil count is 0.2 × 10⁹/L. Blood pressure is 100/60 mm Hg and heart rate 110 beats/min. What is the most appropriate immediate management?

Accepted Answer

Start broad-spectrum intravenous antibiotics within 1 hour of presentation

Answer

Observe and repeat CBC in 12 hours

Answer

Avoid antibiotics until a source of infection is identified

Answer

Start oral antibiotics and discharge with close follow-up

Answer

Administer granulocyte colony-stimulating factor only

Practice question

A 72-year-old woman with metastatic breast cancer on chemotherapy presents with a fever of 38.6 °C and rigors. Her absolute neutrophil count is 0.2 × 10⁹/L. Blood pressure is 100/60 mm Hg and heart rate 110 beats/min. What is the most appropriate immediate management?