A 2 months old child was brought to the subcenter by his mother with complaints of fever for two days. Weight of the child is 2 kg. On examination, the child is restless and irritable, skin pinch went back in 2 seconds, oral mucosa is dry and eyes were sunken. There were ten pustules on his forehead. What should be done at the subcenter?
Refer to higher center with mother giving frequent sips of ORS.
Immediately admit the child, give IV fluids and then refer to higher center.
Give first dose of antibiotic and refer to higher center in an ambulance with sips of ORS along the way.
Send child home with few packets of ORS and call after 3 days.
Ans: C. Give first dose of antibiotic and refer to higher center in an ambulance with sips of ORS along the way.(Ref .Ghai 8th/e p752-753: IMNCI Guidelines).Multiple signs of possible serious bacterial infection (10 skin pustules, diarrhea with severe dehydration & weight = 2 kg which is <-3SD).Hence, child should be immediately given first dose of injectable antibiotic, kept warm & referred to hospital with sips of ORS along the way