MLA SB A Qu estion B an k
Neutropenia
50 single best answer questions — Domain 6: Conditions, Body system: Blood and Lymph
Based on the GMC Medical Licensing Assessment (MLA) content map — applicable from September 2026
,BLOOD AND LY MPH Question 1 of 50
Neutropenia Neutropenic sepsis
A 55-year-old woman on chemotherapy for breast cancer presents with a temperature of 38.5°C and lethargy 10 days after her last cycle.
Her neutrophil count is found to be 0.3 x10^9/L. What is the most appropriate immediate action?
A Antipyretics alone with no antibiotics
B Reassurance and outpatient follow-up in 48 hours
C Urgent empirical broad-spectrum antibiotics, without waiting for investigation results
D Delay antibiotics until blood culture results are available
E Oral antibiotics only, with no admission required
Select the single best answer.
,BLOOD AND LY MPH Question 1 of 50 — Answer
Neutropenia Neutropenic sepsis
A 55-year-old woman on chemotherapy for breast cancer presents with a temperature of 38.5°C and lethargy 10 days after her last cycle. Her neutrophil count is found to be
0.3 x10^9/L. What is the most appropriate immediate action?
A Antipyretics alone with no antibiotics
B Reassurance and outpatient follow-up in 48 hours
C Urgent empirical broad-spectrum antibiotics, without waiting for investigation results ✓ Correct
D Delay antibiotics until blood culture results are available
E Oral antibiotics only, with no admission required
EXPLANATION
Neutropenic sepsis is a medical emergency requiring urgent empirical broad-spectrum antibiotics (typically within 1 hour of presentation), without waiting for
investigation results, given the risk of rapid deterioration.
, BLOOD AND LY MPH Question 2 of 50
Neutropenia Neutropenic sepsis
A 60-year-old man on chemotherapy develops a fever and is admitted with suspected neutropenic sepsis. What is generally used to define
neutropenic sepsis, in terms of neutrophil count and temperature?
A A neutrophil count below 0.5 x10^9/L, regardless of temperature
B A neutrophil count below 2.0 x10^9/L with a temperature above 37°C
C A neutrophil count below 4.0 x10^9/L with any fever
D Any fever regardless of neutrophil count
E A neutrophil count of less than 0.5 x10^9/L (or expected to fall below this) with a temperature above 38°C, or clinical signs of sepsis
Select the single best answer.
Neutropenia
50 single best answer questions — Domain 6: Conditions, Body system: Blood and Lymph
Based on the GMC Medical Licensing Assessment (MLA) content map — applicable from September 2026
,BLOOD AND LY MPH Question 1 of 50
Neutropenia Neutropenic sepsis
A 55-year-old woman on chemotherapy for breast cancer presents with a temperature of 38.5°C and lethargy 10 days after her last cycle.
Her neutrophil count is found to be 0.3 x10^9/L. What is the most appropriate immediate action?
A Antipyretics alone with no antibiotics
B Reassurance and outpatient follow-up in 48 hours
C Urgent empirical broad-spectrum antibiotics, without waiting for investigation results
D Delay antibiotics until blood culture results are available
E Oral antibiotics only, with no admission required
Select the single best answer.
,BLOOD AND LY MPH Question 1 of 50 — Answer
Neutropenia Neutropenic sepsis
A 55-year-old woman on chemotherapy for breast cancer presents with a temperature of 38.5°C and lethargy 10 days after her last cycle. Her neutrophil count is found to be
0.3 x10^9/L. What is the most appropriate immediate action?
A Antipyretics alone with no antibiotics
B Reassurance and outpatient follow-up in 48 hours
C Urgent empirical broad-spectrum antibiotics, without waiting for investigation results ✓ Correct
D Delay antibiotics until blood culture results are available
E Oral antibiotics only, with no admission required
EXPLANATION
Neutropenic sepsis is a medical emergency requiring urgent empirical broad-spectrum antibiotics (typically within 1 hour of presentation), without waiting for
investigation results, given the risk of rapid deterioration.
, BLOOD AND LY MPH Question 2 of 50
Neutropenia Neutropenic sepsis
A 60-year-old man on chemotherapy develops a fever and is admitted with suspected neutropenic sepsis. What is generally used to define
neutropenic sepsis, in terms of neutrophil count and temperature?
A A neutrophil count below 0.5 x10^9/L, regardless of temperature
B A neutrophil count below 2.0 x10^9/L with a temperature above 37°C
C A neutrophil count below 4.0 x10^9/L with any fever
D Any fever regardless of neutrophil count
E A neutrophil count of less than 0.5 x10^9/L (or expected to fall below this) with a temperature above 38°C, or clinical signs of sepsis
Select the single best answer.
