Neutropenic Fever
What is the neutrophil count threshold that defines neutropenia?
What is < 500 cells/mm^3?
TLS is most commonly associated with this type of cancer.
What is hematologic (leukemia/lymphoma)?
Early symptom of spinal cord compression.
What is back pain?
Common visible symptom of SVCS.
What is facial or neck swelling?
Classic triad of symptoms in hypercalcemia.
What is "bones, stones, groans" (bone pain, kidney stones, abdominal pain)?
This is the most common initial sign of neutropenic sepsis.
What is fever?
Electrolyte imbalance characterized by high potassium.
What is hyperkalemia?
Common primary cancers associated with spinal cord compression.
What are breast, lung, and prostate cancers?
Position to help relieve symptoms in SVCS patients.
What is semi-Fowler's position?
Lab value defining hypercalcemia.
What is calcium > 10.5 mg/dL?
The first priority nursing intervention when neutropenic fever is suspected.
What is initiate broad-spectrum IV antibiotics?
Nursing intervention to prevent TLS.
What is aggressive IV hydration before chemotherapy?
First diagnostic imaging tool ordered.
What is MRI of the spine?
Imaging used to confirm SVCS diagnosis.
What is chest CT with contrast?
First-line treatment for hypercalcemia.
What is IV hydration with normal saline?
Key patient education point for neutropenic patients.
What is avoid crowds and practice good hand hygiene?
Medication often used to prevent uric acid buildup in TLS.
What is allopurinol?
Initial nursing action if spinal cord compression is suspected.
What is maintain patient on flat bed rest and notify the provider?
Type of tumor most often causing SVCS.
What is small cell lung cancer?
Medication used to inhibit bone resorption.
What is bisphosphonates (e.g., zoledronic acid)?
Lab test that must be drawn before starting antibiotics.
What is blood cultures?
Potential life-threatening complication of TLS affecting the heart.
What is cardiac arrhythmia?
Emergency treatment often initiated for spinal cord compression.
What is high-dose corticosteroids (e.g., dexamethasone)?
Emergency treatment option for severe SVCS.
What is radiation or stenting of the SVC?
Risk associated with untreated severe hypercalcemia.
What is cardiac arrest or coma?