According to the NICE traffic light system for assessing a febrile child under 5, which finding places the child in the red (high-risk) group?
Answer and explanation
Correct answer: D. A non-blanching rash
- Step 1: The system categorises children as green, amber or red from colour, activity, respiratory, hydration and other signs. Step 2. A non-blanching rash is a red feature, because meningococcal disease must be considered urgently. Answer: A non-blanching rash. Why not the others: Nasal flaring, parent-reported pallor and reduced activity are amber features that need clinical judgement but do not on their own put the child in the red group.
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