24th February 2025

A 20-year-old woman attends the emergency department after seeking advice from her oncology nurse specialist

A 20-year-old woman attends the emergency department after seeking advice from her oncology nurse specialist. She has a background of a germ cell tumour and was last treated with chemotherapy 5 days earlier. She complains of a 1-day history of back pain, rigors, nausea and dysuria.

Bedside observations reveal: heart rate 112 bpm, blood pressure 97/63 mmHg, respiratory rate 16, oxygen saturation 98% on room air, temperature 38.2 degrees Celsius. She has a urine dip that is positive for leukocytes, nitrites and blood. The triaging nurse has told her that she might have a urinary tract infection. Your colleague has referred to the acute oncology service and they have advised they will call back to discuss the case.

What would be the most appropriate next steps in the management of this patient?

Select the SINGLE most appropriate option from the list below. Select ONE option only.