Immunocompromised Patients

Question 1

How would you define neutropenic fever?

Answer 1

Neutrophils <0.5 OR <1.0 and falling rapidly

AND

Temperature 38+C or <36C on two occasions, 30 minutes apart

Question 2

Which antibiotics would you use for neutropenia plus sepsis?

Answer 2

IV piperacillin/tazobactam

Question 3

Which antibiotics would you use for neutropenia with a SIRS score of 2+, or a NEWS score of 5+?

Answer 3

IV piperacillin/tazobactam, PLUS

IV gentamicin

Question 4

Which antibiotics would you use for neutropenic sepsis if the patient had a true penicillin allergy?

Answer 4

IV vancomycin, PLUS
IV gentamicin, PLUS
IV ciprofloxacin