Editing Reduction of Risk Potential – RN Practice Questions (section)

==Question 6==
A client receiving chemotherapy has an absolute neutrophil count of 380/mm3 and an oral temperature of 38.1 degrees Celsius (100.6 degrees Fahrenheit). The client has no cough, no dysuria, and no visible drainage. Which conclusion by the nurse is correct?
# The absence of localized signs indicates the fever is not infectious.
# The fever is low grade and can be rechecked in four hours.
# The client is severely neutropenic and this fever is a medical emergency requiring immediate reporting and prompt blood cultures and antibiotics.
# The client should be encouraged to increase fluids and the finding documented as expected during chemotherapy.

'''Answer:''' Option 3. The client is severely neutropenic and this fever is a medical emergency requiring immediate reporting and prompt blood cultures and antibiotics.

''Rationale:'' An absolute neutrophil count below 500/mm3 is severe neutropenia. Without neutrophils, the client cannot generate purulent drainage, infiltrates, or a robust white count, so fever may be the only sign of overwhelming infection. Neutropenic fever is treated as an emergency, with cultures obtained and broad-spectrum antibiotics started rapidly. Options 1, 2, and 4 all delay life-saving treatment by misreading the absence of localizing signs as reassurance.