Question

A 4-year-old boy is brought to the emergency department with a 2-day history of fever and cough. He now has a non-blanching purpuric rash on his legs and trunk. He is febrile, tachycardic and capillary refill time is 4 seconds. What is the most appropriate immediate management?

Accepted Answer

Administer intravenous or intramuscular broad-spectrum antibiotics urgently and begin fluid resuscitation

Answer

Arrange outpatient paediatric review the next day

Answer

Prescribe oral amoxicillin and discharge with safety netting

Answer

Give oral ibuprofen and monitor in the waiting room

Answer

Wait for blood culture results before deciding on antibiotics

Practice question

A 4-year-old boy is brought to the emergency department with a 2-day history of fever and cough. He now has a non-blanching purpuric rash on his legs and trunk. He is febrile, tachycardic and capillary refill time is 4 seconds. What is the most appropriate immediate management?