FEBRILE NEUTROPENIA, CHEMOTHERAPY-INDUCED: MANAGING THE PATIENT WITH

Course overview

Chemotherapy-induced febrile neutropenia (CIFN) is a complication of chemotherapy that is characterized by an oral temperature reading of 101 ºF (38.3 ºC) or higher for at least 60 minutes in a patient with neutropenia (i.e., an absolute neutrophil count [ANC] of less than 500 cells/μL, or an ANC that is less than 1000 cells/μL and anticipated to decrease). CIFN develops most often during the first chemotherapy cycle. CIFN is an oncologic medical emergency that places patients at risk for life-threatening infection (e.g., sepsis), septic shock, and death. This continuing education module is designed to give the reader/learner an increased understanding of relevant research on the general principles of caring for a patient with CIFN, including information to provide to the patient’s family. Readers may explore any or all of the topics. One contact hour of continuing education credit is available for those who successfully complete the post-test and evaluation form.