Question

Patient with febrile neutropenia - what do you start them on?

a) Empiric broad-spectrum antibiotics (e.g., piperacillin-tazobactam)
b) Antifungal therapy (e.g., fluconazole)
c) Antiviral medication (e.g., acyclovir)
d) Granulocyte-colony stimulating factor (G-CSF)

Answer 1

The standard treatment for febrile neutropenia involves empiric broad-spectrum antibiotics to cover a wide range of potential bacterial pathogens.

Step-by-step explanation:

Febrile neutropenia is a condition where a patient has a low white blood cell count (neutropenia) and a fever. This condition puts the patient at a high risk of developing severe infections. The standard treatment for febrile neutropenia involves empiric broad-spectrum antibiotics to cover a wide range of potential bacterial pathogens. Examples of these antibiotics include piperacillin-tazobactam, cefepime, or meropenem. The choice of antibiotic may vary depending on local resistance patterns and individual patient factors.