Prompt #75Emergency
Prompt 75: The "Baby Has a Fever" Decision Tree
When to use it
Baby has a fever and you need to know what to do RIGHT NOW. Including when to go to the ER.
The Prompt
My baby is [AGE] and has a temperature of [TEMP] measured [WHERE — e.g., "rectal" / "forehead" / "underarm" / "ear"]. [WHEN MEASURED — e.g., "30 min ago" / "2 hours ago" / "just now"].
I need a clear decision: ER tonight, call pediatrician tomorrow, or monitor at home.
Symptoms:
- Other symptoms: [E.G., "runny nose" / "vomiting" / "rash" / "won't eat" / "lethargic" / "no other symptoms" / "pulling at ear"]
- Behavior: [E.G., "still playing" / "lethargic" / "crying a lot" / "won't wake up" / "normal between fevers"]
- Feeding: [E.G., "drinking well" / "refusing all" / "wet diapers normal" / "fewer wet diapers"]
- Recent exposure: [E.G., "no known exposure" / "siblings sick" / "we traveled" / "vaccinations yesterday"]
Please give me:
1. The age-specific fever threshold (NEWBORN vs. infant vs. toddler)
2. The 'go to ER now' red flags (specific symptoms I shouldn't ignore)
3. The 'call pediatrician tonight' symptoms
4. The 'monitor at home' criteria
5. The age-correct fever measurement guide (where + how)
6. What to do RIGHT NOW (meds, comfort, monitoring)
7. The pediatrician call script (so I have what I need)
8. The 24-hour watch list
Important: I want a clear decision, not a list of possibilities.Example output
*"Fever thresholds by age: NEWBORN (<28 days): any fever ≥100.4°F (38°C) = ER immediately, full septic workup. Infant (1-3 mo): ≥100.4°F = ER if no source clear, call ped first. Infant (3-12 mo): ≥100.4°F = call pediatrician for guidance, ER if + red flags. Toddler (12+ mo): ≥102°F with concerning symptoms = call ped, otherwise monitor. Red flags to ER now: <3 mo + fever, fever + stiff neck, fever + rash that doesn't blanch, fever + lethargy/unresponsiveness, fever + trouble breathing, fever + seizure, fever + dehydration (no wet diaper 8+ hrs), fever + persistent vomiting. Measurement: rectal is gold standard <12 mo. Don't add or subtract 1°F from forehead/ear readings. RIGHT NOW: if age warrants, dose-appropriate acetaminophen (Tylenol >2 mo) or ibuprofen (Motrin >6 mo). Monitor behavior, hydration, output. Pediatrician call script: 'My [age] baby has [temp] and [symptoms]. What do you want me to do?'"*
Related prompts
Emergency#76
Prompt 76: The Choking Response Play-by-Play
Baby or child is choking (or you think they are). You have seconds to act. This is the prompt you read in advance, but here for in-the-moment reference.
#77
Prompt 77: The Allergic Reaction Triage
Baby/child is having an allergic reaction and you need to know if it's anaphylaxis, what to do, and when to call 911.
#78
Prompt 78: The "My Baby Fell" Decision Tree
Baby/child fell and you need to know if it's an ER, urgent care, pediatrician, or watch-at-home situation.