A 58-year-old woman receiving chemotherapy for breast cancer presents with a temperature of 38.5°C and rigors. Her neutrophil count is 0.3 × 10^9/L. S...

Question

A 58-year-old woman receiving chemotherapy for breast cancer presents with a temperature of 38.5°C and rigors. Her neutrophil count is 0.3 × 10^9/L. She looks unwell but is haemodynamically stable. What is the most appropriate initial management?

Accepted Answer

Start immediate broad-spectrum intravenous antibiotics within 1 hour

Answer

Observe and repeat temperature in 4 hours

Answer

Start broad-spectrum oral antibiotics in the community

Answer

Wait for blood culture results before starting antibiotics

Answer

Start antiviral therapy only

uk-plab-1 MCQ (SBA): Neutropenic sepsis

A 58-year-old woman receiving chemotherapy for breast cancer presents with a temperature of 38.5°C and rigors. Her neutrophil count is 0.3 × 10^9/L. She looks unwell but is haemodynamically stable. What is the most appropriate initial management?