The nurse notes that the patient's neutrophil count is less than 500 cells/microliter.The nurse realizes that this patient is
A) is at low risk for infection.
B) is at mild risk for infection.
C) is at moderate risk for infection.
D) is at severe risk for infection.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Neutropenia is defined as an absolute neutrophil count of less than 1500 cells/microliter of blood.Neutropenia may occur as a result of inadequate production or excess destruction of neutrophils.Patients with low neutrophil counts are predisposed to infections because of the body's reduced phagocytic ability.Neutropenia is classified based on the patient's predicted risk for infection: mild (1000-1500 cells/microliter),moderate (500-1000 cells/microliter),and severe (<500 cells/microliter).

The Nurse Notes That the Patient's Neutrophil Count Is Less