febrile neutropenia in the ED case 1

Question 1

read case scenario:

What issues contributed to the outcome of the patient’s death?

(3)
1. D___ i___
2. D__ A__ of A___
3. O___ E___ D___

Answer 1

1. Delayed Isolation:
   The patient was not isolated promptly. This put him at increased risk of infection, as waiting room environments in hospitals can be a source of pathogens.
2. Delayed Administration of Antibiotics:
   The decision to withhold antibiotics until a urine sample for culture was collected is a delay that may have contributed to the patient’s deterioration.
3. Overcrowded ED:
   The ED was busy, which likely contributed to the delay in providing care and finding an isolation cubicle.

Question 2

read case scenario:

What intervention/s would have changed the outcome?

(3)
1. I___ I___
2. T___ A___
3. E___ A___

Answer 2

1. Immediate Isolation:
   The patient should have been isolated as soon as the risk of neutropenia was identified to reduce the risk of infection.
2. Timely Antibiotics:
   The administration of antibiotics should not have been delayed. In patients with a risk of neutropenia, antibiotics should be administered promptly to prevent serious infections.
3. Expedited Assessment: Given the patient’s history of chemotherapy and presenting symptoms, a more urgent medical assessment should have been prioritised, even in a busy ED.

Question 3

read case scenario:

As a nurse, what would you have done differently?

(3)
1. A___
2. C___
3. M___

Answer 3

1. Advocacy:
   could have advocated for the patient’s immediate isolation and pushed for the timely administration of antibiotics. Advocacy for high-risk patients is a crucial role for nurses.
2. Communication:
   should have communicated the patient’s risk and needs clearly to the ED team and escalated the situation if necessary.
3. Monitoring:
   Close monitoring of the patient’s vital signs and symptoms, especially during the waiting period, could have detected early signs of deterioration.

Question 4

read case scenario:

Who would you ask if you were unsure about care a patient requires?

(5)
1. O___
2. I___ D___ S___
3. S___ N___ S___
4. M___ T___
5. H___ I__

Answer 4

1. oncologists
2. infectious disease specialists
3. senior nursing staff

Collaboration with:
4. medical team
5. hospital’s infection control department

Question 5

read case scenario:

What resources are available to nurses for oncology emergencies?

1. H___ G___
2. O___ N__ S___
3. I___ C___ P___
4. C___ E___
5. S___ from M___ T___

(5)

Answer 5

1. Hospital Guidelines
2. Oncology Nurse Specialists
3. Infection Control Protocols
4. Continuing Education
5. Support from Multidisciplinary Teams