Are patients undergoing chemo on automatic neutropenic precaution?

[yupnv80, BSN, RN]

Is it necessary to place a chemo patient on neutropenic precaution despite WBC at normal range. However, patient is febrile and receiving IV antibiotics...

I don’t work in oncology floor but there are patients who occasionally get admitted for post op fever after starting chemo

[EDNURSE20, BSN]

Your hospital should have a policy.

Where I work anyone who has had chemo within the last 10 days are automatically on precautions. Regardless of blood results or any other circumstances.

[Quota, BSN, RN]

I work oncology. On our floor we don’t apply neutropenic precautions until their ANC drops. Though some of the neutropenic precaution things are default on our floor so I’d look at your hospital’s policy.

[ComeTogether, LPN]

In my facility, only when they are actually neutropenic or we suspect they soon will be.

[JBudd, MSN]

Follow policy, but if not actually on neutropenics be really careful anyway.

During my 2nd bout of chemo (3rd drug), my white count was actually normal so I felt sort of safe going out to a public event. The next day I spiked to 104F, missed my chemo round, and admitted to hospital the next; with massive cellulitis of my affected arm (lymph removal) and Influenza A. My daughter was told I nearly died and came to hospital just in time. We never found out what caused the cellulitis.

Chemo patients might look okay, and have good numbers, but are still fragile.