Roles of Nurses in the Prevention
and Management of the Febrile
Neutropenia in Cancer Patients
Undergoing Chemotherapy
Jantima Jamjumrus*, Darika Chanpho**
*Division of Medical Nursing, Department of Nursing, Siriraj Hospital, Bangkok, **Division of
Ambulatory Chemotherapy Care Center, Wattanosoth Hospital, Bangkok, Thailand.
Siriraj Medical Bulletin 2021;14(3) : 61-65
Abstract
Febrile neutropenia is the medical emergency of cancer that is commonly seen in
cancer patients undergoing chemotherapy. This complication might lead to sepsis and septic
shock which could result in patient mortality. Moreover, it could decrease the quality of life
and lengthen the circle of care. The dosage reduction of the chemotherapy could bring about
an inefcient result of the treatment and also increase the medical expenses. Therefore,
nurses play an important role in this circumstance. Nurses are required to understand
the denition of febrile neutropenia and its causal factors, periodically screen and assess
the risks of febrile neutropenia in all cancer patients undergoing chemotherapy by using
MASCC Risk Index for Febrile neutropenia along with the neutropenia level assessment.
Additionally; nurses should follow the standard guideline in caring patients with febrile
neutropenia as well as the nursing guideline in preventing and managing neutropenia in
cancer patients undergoing chemotherapy. Nurses supposed to possess knowledge in the
dosage, management and the side effects of Granulocyte colony stimulating factor (G-CSF)
in order to prevent febrile neutropenia. These give rise to an early appropriate nursing for a
better result in patient care, the quality of life, and the safety of the patients.
Keywords: role of nurses; prevention and management; febrile neutropenia; cancer patients;
chemotherapy
Correspondence to: Jantima Jamjumrus
Email: jantimajamjumrus@gmail.com
Received: 18 March 2021
Revised: 23 April 2021
Accepted: 28 April 2021
http://dx.doi.org/10.33192/Simedbull.2021.28
61
Siriraj Medical Bulletin
61
Siriraj Medical Bulletin
 

 
(febrile neutropenia)
ันิมา แ่มำาัส*, ดาิกา ัน์ โพิ�**
* 
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



62
Review Article
63
Siriraj Medical Bulletin












4

3,4,5,6





























8



3





 1
 2

 3

 4














9








63
Siriraj Medical Bulletin
64  14  3 .. - .. 2564

9
 
 5

 5
 4


 4
 3
 3
 3
 2


-










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


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
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



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
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


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
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
1





11



11


11
64
Review Article
65
Siriraj Medical Bulletin








12


1,3,9







1





3








































































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Siriraj Medical Bulletin