A 6-year-old boy complains of a 4-day history of low back pa…

A 6-year-old boy complains of a 4-day history of low back pain and difficulty walking. On examination, you note weakness in his lower extremities and absent lower extremity deep tendon reflexes. Sensation in the lower extremities is intact. A magnetic resonance imaging scan of the spine is normal. Which of the following is the most likely diagnosis?

An 11-month-old boy presents at your office with an 8 hour h…

An 11-month-old boy presents at your office with an 8 hour history of fever and increasing listlessness. Physical exam reveals an irritable child with temperature of 103F, respiratory rate of 35, blood pressure 60/30, a full fontanel and a petechial rash. The most appropriate action is: