A 2-month-old febrile male is brought to your facility to be evaluated for loss of appetite, irritability, and an acute petechial rash. Rectal temperature is 102.8F. Which of the following diagnostic studies is the most important in this child’s evaluation?
- white blood count and differential
- urinalysis
- CSF analysis
- serum glucose
- chest X-ray (CXR)
Answer: C
CSF analysis
Any infant (neonate) with fever and rash should have an LP. While I would certainly do a CBC, even if it was normal, I would want the LP.