A patient is receiving chemotherapy. Seven days after a dose, the patient's neutrophil count is 1,000 cells/mm³. The nurse will tell this patient:

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Normal neutrophil counts range from 2500 to 7000 cells/mm³. The lowest neutrophil count, or nadir, usually occurs 10 to 14 days after dosing, so this patient's neutrophil count should be repeated at that time. Hospitalization is controversial because of the risk of exposure to serious infections. The next dose should not be skipped unless the neutrophil count is below 500/mm³. Patients with neutropenia may not have symptoms of pus, abscess, or cough and should be instructed to report any fever.

A Patient Is Receiving Chemotherapy