A child with leukemia develops fever and petechiae; which action requires immediate nursing attention?

• A. Administer antipyretic
• B. Notify physician immediately and assess for infection
• C. Place in isolation
• D. Increase fluids

Answer: (B)

In a child with leukemia, fever plus petechiae signals a high risk for serious infection in an immunocompromised patient, potentially progressing to sepsis. The most urgent action is to notify the physician immediately and perform a focused assessment for infection so that urgent orders (such as diagnostic tests and empiric antibiotics) can be initiated without delay.

Giving an antipyretic alone treats the fever but does not address the underlying infection and could delay necessary treatment. Placing the child in isolation and increasing fluids are supportive steps, but they do not take the place of rapid clinical evaluation and orders from the physician. In neutropenic patients, fever requires prompt evaluation and often immediate antibiotic therapy.