Neutrpenia

Manifestations

• Predisposed to infection to all bacteria
• Classic signs of inflammation may not be seen
• Absence of pus in wounds
• Fever is assumed to be due to infection

Diagnostic Studies

• Peripheral WBC count
• Bone marrow aspiration and biopsy
• Total WBC count

COLLABORATIVE CARE

• Determine the cause of neutropenia
• ID the offending organisms if an infection develops
• Instituting prophylatic: antibiotic therapy
• Administering hematopoietic growth factors
• Instituting protective environmental practices

Nursing Care

• Monitor patient for any fever > 100.4 F
• Serial blood cultures if infection is suspected
• Start antibiotics promptly within 1 hour of fever
• Cultures of throat, sputum and/or urine

Gerontologic Considerations

• Always consider elderly may have different presenting symptoms ie. delirium

GENERAL PATIENT TEACHING

• Wash hands frequently
• Take temperature daily and notify nurse or caregiver if fever presents
• Avoid crowds, sick people
• Avoid uncooked meats and seafood
• Bathe and shower frequently

Tables to Review

• Table 31-22 pg 690
• Table 31-23 pg 691
• Table 31-24 pg 692