A 56-year-old woman receiving chemotherapy for breast cancer presents with fever 38.7 °C and rigours. Her absolute neutrophil count is 0.3 × 10⁹/L. Bl...

Question

A 56-year-old woman receiving chemotherapy for breast cancer presents with fever 38.7 °C and rigours. Her absolute neutrophil count is 0.3 × 10⁹/L. Blood pressure is 110/68 mm Hg and she appears well. What is the most important immediate management step?

Accepted Answer

Start broad-spectrum intravenous antibiotics within 1 hour

Answer

Obtain blood cultures and observe without antibiotics

Answer

Start oral amoxicillin-clavulanate

Answer

Schedule an urgent oncology clinic review the next day

Answer

Give paracetamol only and reassess in 4 hours

ca-mccqe1 MCQ (SBA): Neutropenic fever management

A 56-year-old woman receiving chemotherapy for breast cancer presents with fever 38.7 °C and rigours. Her absolute neutrophil count is 0.3 × 10⁹/L. Blood pressure is 110/68 mm Hg and she appears well. What is the most important immediate management step?