In response to social overtures (being held, hugged, kissed, talked to), a febrile infant does not smile, has a dull, expressionless face, and is not alert to stimuli. The most appropriate approach to management is to:
ExplanationClinical observation of young patients is critical in helping you to evaluate and distinguish the degree of risk of infection and physiologic impairment. In addition to observing color, tone, grunting, or a bulging fontanel, the response to social stimuli is valuable. This 3-mo-old had pneumococcal meningitis.
