fever and rash

Approach to diagnostic workup

• Meningococcemia, endocarditis, RMSF, sepsis, & toxic shock need urgent dx & Rx
• Workup: CBC w/diff, BMP, LFTs, LDH, CK, U/A, HIV Ag/Ab ± PCR, BCx off abx)
• To narrow Ddx: characterize time course of rash, progression, & morphology Erythema multiforme Erythema nodosum

Variable and Possible Etiology-fever and rash Treatment

• Empiric abx not indicated (unless Pt neutropenic or critically ill)
• Consider important empiric isolation precautions (ie, varicella → airborne/contact; measles → airborne; meningococcus → droplet) while workup pending