Final answer:
Severe neutropenia refers to a low white blood cell count, specifically a low absolute neutrophil count (ANC). Healthcare teams may delay or modify chemotherapy treatment if a patient has severe neutropenia to reduce the risk of infection.
Step-by-step explanation:
Severe neutropenia is characterized by a low white blood cell (WBC) count, specifically a low absolute neutrophil count (ANC). Neutrophils are a type of white blood cell that play a crucial role in fighting off infections. If a patient's ANC is very low, their healthcare team may choose to delay or modify their chemotherapy treatment to minimize the risk of serious infection.