Symposium on infections in the compromised host. Neutropenia. Causes, complications, treatment, and resulting nursing care.

The neutropenic patient presents a major challenge to the nurse. Nurses must understand the underlying causes of neutropenia, the treatments indicated, and the increased risk of infection that is inherent to the condition. The ability to identify patients at high risk for infection, institute appropriate preventive measures, carry out proper patient teaching, assessment, and treatment techniques, and provide supportive care to patients with neutropenia will help to prevent overwhelming sepsis and possible death.