Final answer:
Febrile neutropenia is a condition in which a patient has a low number of neutrophils in their blood, along with a fever. Broad-spectrum antibiotics are typically started to treat potential infections until the neutrophil count recovers. The choice of antibiotics may vary depending on the patient's circumstances.
Step-by-step explanation:
Febrile neutropenia is a condition in which a patient has a low number of neutrophils (a type of white blood cell) in their blood, and they also have a fever. It occurs as a result of the suppression of the bone marrow due to chemotherapy or other factors. In this situation, the healthcare team would usually start the patient on broad-spectrum antibiotics to treat any potential infections until their neutrophil count recovers.
One common drug regimen used is the combination of a beta-lactam (such as piperacillin-tazobactam or ceftazidime) with an aminoglycoside (such as gentamicin or tobramycin). These antibiotics cover a wide range of bacteria and act synergistically. They are given intravenously to ensure adequate blood levels.
It is important to note that the choice of antibiotics may vary based on the individual patient's circumstances, including their risk factors for specific infections and any signs or symptoms of infection they may present with.