A 5-year-old boy is seen in the GP clinic with a 2-day history of sore throat. Mum says it started off with coughing followed by temperature and sore throat. The pain has stopped him from eating and drinking since last night. He has a temperature of 38 degree Celsius. On examination, the tonsils are inflamed bilaterally with exudate, the tongue is dry, and there is tender anterior cervical lymphadenopathy. The child appears tired.
Which of the following is the best next step in the management of this patient?
- A) Routine referral to ENT for tonsillectomy
- B) Home with antibiotics (phenoxymethylpenicillin)
- C) Send home with reassurance
- D) Send to hospital immediately
- E) Home with antibiotics (metronidazole)
ASCENT 