A patient receiving chemotherapy has a temperature of 38.4°C, chills, and a very low neutrophil count. Which action should the nurse take first?
Correct answer: A. Notify the prescriber urgently and activate the febrile neutropenia pathway
- A. Notify the prescriber urgently and activate the febrile neutropenia pathway
- B. Give an antipyretic and wait to see whether the temperature falls
- C. Place the patient in a shared room for closer observation
- D. Encourage fluids and repeat the temperature in four hours
Explanation
Fever with severe neutropenia is a medical emergency because infection can progress rapidly with few localising signs. Urgent escalation allows cultures and prompt antimicrobial treatment according to local protocol.
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About Clinical Judgement and Prioritisation
Clinical judgement links assessment findings, nursing knowledge and patient responses to a safe decision. Coverage includes ABCDE assessment, recognising actual or potential instability, prioritising airway, breathing and circulation, using urgency and risk rather than routine order, reassessing after intervention, and distinguishing a nursing priority from a medical diagnosis or a task that can wait.
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