Sepsis and treatment-induced immunosuppression in the patient with cancer.
Treatment for cancer is frequently an assault to the immune system. The immunosuppression that results significantly increases the patient's risk for infection. In this patient population, infection can quickly progress to sepsis, septic shock, and death. A high index of suspicion during nursing assessments is a critical strategy in early identification of infections. In addition, judicious adherence to infection control measures, appropriate use of prophylactic agents, and immediate employment of broad-spectrum antibiotics that are empirically based are essential strategies to maximize the patient's likelihood for survival.
Reigle
Beverly S
BS
College of Nursing, University of Cincinnati, 3110 Vine Street, Cincinnati, OH 45221-0038, USA. reiglebs@uc.edu
Dienger
M Joyce
MJ
D000917:Antibody Formation / Q000187:drug effects; D000970:Antineoplastic Agents / Q000009:adverse effects*; D006801:Humans; D007111:Immunity, Cellular / Q000187:drug effects / Q000528:radiation effects; D016867:Immunocompromised Host; D009369:Neoplasms / Q000150:complications* / Q000276:immunology / Q000628:therapy; D009503:Neutropenia / Q000150:complications / Q000209:etiology; D011878:Radiotherapy / Q000009:adverse effects*; D018805:Sepsis / Q000209:etiology* / Q000276:immunology* / Q000628:therapy
D000970:Antineoplastic Agents