In a 14-year-old male with proteinuria during a febrile illness, what is the next appropriate step in management?

In a 14-year-old male presenting with proteinuria during a febrile illness, the next appropriate step in management is to repeat dipstick testing on future visits. This approach is justified as transient proteinuria can occur during fever and illness due to factors such as dehydration or increased physical activity, which typically resolves once the underlying condition is treated and the patient recovers.

Monitoring protein levels through repeat testing allows healthcare providers to determine whether the proteinuria persists or is indeed an isolated finding linked to the acute illness. If the proteinuria continues beyond the resolution of the fever, further evaluation may be warranted, which could include additional diagnostic tests.

Starting a diuretic, administering intravenous fluids, or referring for a kidney biopsy may be considered in different clinical contexts but are not appropriate immediate responses in this scenario. Diuretics would not address the underlying issue, intravenous fluids would not be necessary without signs of dehydration, and a kidney biopsy is typically reserved for persistent or severe proteinuria with clinical indications for more aggressive investigation.