febrile neutropenia in the ED case 2 Flashcards
read case scenario:
What issues contributed to the outcome of the patient’s death?
(4)
Delayed Assessment:
The patient’s initial complaints of nausea and diarrhea were not promptly assessed during the first and second ED visits, leading to a missed opportunity to identify and address the underlying issue.
Lack of Recognition of Neutropenia Risk: Healthcare providers did not recognize the patient’s risk of febrile neutropenia, which is a common complication of chemotherapy that can lead to severe infections
Patient Leaving Without Being Seen:
The patient left the ED on both the first and second visits without receiving appropriate care, possibly due to frustration or not feeling unwell enough to stay.
Lack of Observations:
Failure to record vital signs, including temperature, during the first two presentations, which could have helped in identifying the presence of a fever and the need for further assessment.
read case scenario:
What intervention/s would have changed the outcome?
(4)
Timely Assessment:
Prompt assessment and triage of the patient during her first ED visit, recognizing the risk associated with chemotherapy, could have led to early identification and management of the issue.
Education and Awareness:
Ensuring that triage nurses and ED staff are aware of the potential complications of chemotherapy and can identify patients at risk of febrile neutropenia.
Communication:
Encouraging patients to communicate their chemotherapy status and risks with healthcare providers and staff upon arrival at the ED.
Chemotherapy Cards:
The use of chemotherapy cards, as suggested in the review, could help alert clinical staff to the patient’s vulnerability and need for immediate attention.
read case scenario:
As a nurse, what would you have done differently?
(3)
Advocacy:
advocated for prompt assessment and explained the patient’s risk due to chemotherapy. This advocacy could have prioritized the patient’s care.
Education:
Providing information to the patient about the risks of febrile neutropenia and the importance of staying for evaluation, even if she felt well at the time.
Observation:
ensured that the patient’s vital signs were measured, especially monitoring for fever, as febrile neutropenia is a common sign of infection in chemotherapy patients.
read case scenario:
Who would you ask if you were unsure about care a patient requires?
(3)
charge nurse
ED physician
oncology nurse
read case scenario:
What resources are available to nurses for oncology emergencies?
(5)
Hospital Protocols and Guidelines
Oncology Nurse Specialists
Chemotherapy Cards and Patient Education Materials
Continuing Education
Multidisciplinary Collaboration
