Question

question 82
a patient being treated for cancer has had chemotherapy within the past 2 weeks and comes to the primary care clinic with a fever of 38.5°c. what is the initial action?
obtain a stat complete blood count (cbc) with differential.
order a chest radiograph.
order blood and urine cultures.
prescribe empirical antibiotics.

Explanation:

When a cancer patient who has had chemotherapy (which can suppress the immune system, especially the white blood cell count) presents with a fever (a common sign of infection in immunocompromised patients), the initial crucial step is to check the white blood cell count (part of a CBC with differential). Neutropenia (low white blood cell count) is a significant concern as it increases infection risk. While other tests (like cultures, radiographs) or treatment (antibiotics) may be needed later, the CBC with differential gives immediate info on the patient's immune - cell status (critical for guiding further management, e.g., if neutropenic, more aggressive infection - related interventions are often initiated promptly).

Answer:

Obtain a STAT complete blood count (CBC) with differential.