Question

Case History #1

Jenny is a cancer patient and has had several rounds of chemotherapy. Her blood is always drawn each time she arrives at the clinic for her chemotherapy. They are checking her white blood cell levels. She is told today her blood shows her neutrophils to be at 2,200 per microliter.

1.) Based on the level of neutrophils what do you think the recommendation for chemotherapy will be for today? You must defend your answer. (1 paragraph or less, 2 points possible.)

2.) With a neutrophil count at this level, what would the patient be susceptible to and why? (1-2 paragraphs, 4 points possible)

Answer 1

1.) Based on the neutrophil count of 2,200 per microliter, it is likely that the recommendation for chemotherapy will be to postpone or delay it. Neutrophils are a type of white blood cell that play a crucial role in fighting infections. A low neutrophil count, also known as neutropenia, can make a person more susceptible to infections and increase the risk of serious complications. Chemotherapy can further suppress the immune system, which can increase the risk of infections in cancer patients. Therefore, if a patient's neutrophil count is low, it may be necessary to delay or adjust the chemotherapy treatment to reduce the risk of complications.

2.) With a neutrophil count of 2,200 per microliter, the patient would be susceptible to infections. Neutrophils are an important part of the immune system and play a key role in fighting bacterial and fungal infections. When the neutrophil count is low, the body's ability to fight infections is compromised, which can lead to an increased risk of infections. In particular, patients with neutropenia are at an increased risk of developing infections from bacteria that are normally present on the skin and in the gastrointestinal tract. These infections can be serious and potentially life-threatening, especially for cancer patients who are already dealing with weakened immune systems. To reduce the risk of infections, patients with low neutrophil counts may be advised to take extra precautions such as avoiding crowds, practicing good hygiene, and taking antibiotics prophylactically.

Hope this helps!

Answer 2

Based on the neutrophil count of 2,200 per microliter, the recommendation for chemotherapy may be delayed or reduced. Neutrophils are a type of white blood cell that help fight off infections, and chemotherapy can lower the neutrophil count, making the patient more susceptible to infections. A low neutrophil count is called neutropenia, and a count below 1,500 per microliter is considered severe neutropenia. The decision to delay or reduce chemotherapy will depend on the patient's individual case and the judgment of the healthcare team.

With a neutrophil count at this level, the patient would be susceptible to infections. Neutrophils play a crucial role in the immune system by fighting off bacteria and other pathogens. When the neutrophil count is low, the body is less able to defend against infections, making the patient more vulnerable. Common signs of infection include fever, chills, sore throat, cough, and diarrhea. Patients with neutropenia are typically advised to take precautions to reduce their risk of infection, such as avoiding crowds, washing their hands frequently, and avoiding contact with sick people. In some cases, patients may be prescribed antibiotics to prevent infections.