During a prompt visit to the pediatric emergency department, the parents of a 16-day-old boy report that he developed a fever earlier in the day. A rectal thermometer reading at home was 38.6°C (101.5°F). Upon arrival, the infant's vital signs include a temperature of 38.4°C (101.1°F), heart rate of 158/min, and respiratory rate of 48/min. The parents also mention a rash that appeared on his trunk yesterday, described as blotchy and red with small, pale papules in the center. He has a mild, occasional cough but is breastfeeding vigorously and producing adequate wet diapers. The infant was born at 39 weeks of gestation via an uncomplicated spontaneous vaginal delivery. Maternal group B Streptococcus screening was negative. Physical examination reveals the described rash over the chest and abdomen; a microscopic smear of a papule demonstrates numerous eosinophils. His lungs are clear to auscultation, and the remainder of the examination is unremarkable. Which of the following is the most appropriate next step in management?
- Admit to the hospital, obtain blood, urine, and cerebrospinal fluid cultures, and initiate intravenous ampicillin and gentamicinCevap
- BReassure the parents about the benign nature of the rash and discharge home with instructions for supportive care
- CObtain blood and urine cultures, administer intramuscular ceftriaxone, and arrange for follow-up in 24 hours
- DAdminister nebulized albuterol and prescribe a course of oral azithromycin
- EAdminister the first dose of the rotavirus vaccine and discharge home with antipyretics