Which complication would the nurse monitor for in a patient experiencing neutropenia from chemotherapy?

Which complication would the nurse monitor for in a patient experiencing neutropenia from chemotherapy?

• A. Infection
• B. Hypertension
• C. Renal failure
• D. Diarrhea

Answer: (A)

Neutropenia lowers the body's first line of defense against infection because neutrophils are the key cells that fight bacteria and fungi. When chemotherapy reduces neutrophil counts, even small infections can become serious, so watching for infection is the most important concern. Fever may be the only clue in neutropenic patients, so regular temperature checks and prompt evaluation of any new symptom are essential. If an infection is suspected, urgent assessment and often empiric antibiotics are needed to prevent progression to sepsis. Other listed issues can occur with cancer treatment, but they are not the direct risk that neutropenia creates.

Neutropenia lowers the body's first line of defense against infection because neutrophils are the key cells that fight bacteria and fungi. When chemotherapy reduces neutrophil counts, even small infections can become serious, so watching for infection is the most important concern. Fever may be the only clue in neutropenic patients, so regular temperature checks and prompt evaluation of any new symptom are essential. If an infection is suspected, urgent assessment and often empiric antibiotics are needed to prevent progression to sepsis. Other listed issues can occur with cancer treatment, but they are not the direct risk that neutropenia creates.