A 48-year-old woman receiving chemotherapy for breast cancer presents with fever of 38.5°C, rigors and malaise. Her neutrophil count is 0.3 × 10^9/L. ...

Question

A 48-year-old woman receiving chemotherapy for breast cancer presents with fever of 38.5°C, rigors and malaise. Her neutrophil count is 0.3 × 10^9/L. Blood pressure is 100/65 mmHg, heart rate 105 bpm and NEWS2 score is 6. What is the most appropriate management?

Accepted Answer

Start immediate intravenous broad-spectrum antibiotics within 1 hour and admit for monitoring

Answer

Give oral antibiotics and review in 48 hours

Answer

Wait for blood culture results before starting antibiotics

Answer

Prescribe paracetamol only and reassure

Answer

Book an urgent oncology clinic appointment the next day

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

A 48-year-old woman receiving chemotherapy for breast cancer presents with fever of 38.5°C, rigors and malaise. Her neutrophil count is 0.3 × 10^9/L. Blood pressure is 100/65 mmHg, heart rate 105 bpm and NEWS2 score is 6. What is the most appropriate management?