Evidence-based care for the neutropenic patient with leukemia.
OBJECTIVE
To provide an overview of risk factors for increased severity of infection, and a summary of neutropenic care guidelines based on the scientific literature.


METHODS
Research studies, review articles, book chapters.


CONCLUSIONS
Neutropenia is one of the most common and clinically significant toxicities of therapy for patients with leukemia. The risk of infection is extremely high and is associated with significant morbidity and mortality. Specific risk factors for serious or life-threatening infection must be identified in this patient population and abrogated when possible.


CONCLUSIONS
Implementation of evidence-based preventive and management strategies for patients with neutropenia can optimize patient outcomes. Internalization of these concepts into the nursing care we provide to patients with leukemia exemplifies best practice.
Shelton
Brenda K
BK
Sidney Kimmel Comprehensive Cancer Center, Johns Hopkins, Baltimore, MD, USA.
D000328:Adult; D000970:Antineoplastic Agents / Q000009:adverse effects; D002983:Clinical Competence; D015400:Clinical Nursing Research; D019317:Evidence-Based Medicine / Q000592:standards*; D005334:Fever / Q000139:chemically induced / Q000451:nursing; D006801:Humans; D007938:Leukemia / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000451:nursing*; D009503:Neutropenia / Q000139:chemically induced / Q000451:nursing* / Q000517:prevention & control*; D024802:Nurse's Role; D009730:Nursing Assessment / Q000379:methods; D009859:Oncology Nursing / Q000379:methods*; D014481:United States
D000970:Antineoplastic Agents