True/False MCQ · Neonatal Sepsis and Infection
Regarding investigations in suspected neonatal sepsis, the following statements are correct:
- ACRP rises immediately at the onset of infection
- BA white cell count below 5,000 can indicate infection
- CA blood culture volume of 0.1 mL is adequate
- DThrombocytopenia (platelets below 100,000) can occur in neonatal sepsis
- EA single normal CRP excludes sepsis
Show answers and explanation
- A. False: CRP rises over 6-8 hours, not immediately.
- B. True
- C. False: At least 0.5 mL is needed for blood culture, not 0.1 mL.
- D. True
- E. False: A single normal CRP does not exclude sepsis (it lags 6-8 hours).
Investigations
- FBC: a white cell count >35,000 or <5,000, and platelets <100,000, support infection.
- CRP rises in 6-8 hours (not immediately) and peaks at 24 hours, so a single normal CRP does NOT exclude sepsis.
- Blood culture needs at least 0.5 mL.
Why A is false
CRP rises over 6-8 hours, not immediately.
Why B is true
A WCC below 5,000 can indicate infection.
Why C is false
0.1 mL is inadequate; at least 0.5 mL is needed.
Why D is true
Thrombocytopenia (<100,000) can occur in sepsis.
Why E is false
A single normal CRP does not exclude sepsis (it lags).
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