A patient with neutropenia develops a new fever. What is the priority?
- ARecheck the temperature in one hour before notifying the provider
- BGive a stock IV antibiotic now, before cultures are drawn
- CInspect the IV site and report if redness or pus is present
- DReport urgently and prepare for cultures and prompt IV antibiotics
Show answer and explanations
Answer
D
A
Neutropenic fever is an emergency; waiting an hour delays antibiotics that should start within about 60 minutes.
B
Antibiotics must start rapidly but need a prescription, and cultures are drawn first when this does not delay treatment.
C
Neutropenic patients often cannot form pus or redness, so absent local signs do not exclude infection.
D
Febrile neutropenia needs immediate escalation, cultures, and rapid empirical IV antibiotics.