Nursing management of neutropenia in oncology patients: A comprehensive review

Neutropenia is a frequent, potentially life-threatening complication of cancer treatment that significantly increases infection risk, causes febrile neutropenia (FN), and leads to chemotherapy dose reductions and treatment delays. Nurses are central to prevention, early detection, prompt management of FN, patient/family education, and coordination of multidisciplinary care. This review synthesizes current evidence and clinical guidelines to present an in-depth nursing framework for assessment, prevention, and management of neutropenia in oncology patients. Key interventions include risk stratification, routine ANC monitoring, infection prevention bundles, timely use of granulocyte colony-stimulating factors (G-CSFs) per guideline recommendations, rapid management of febrile neutropenia with empiric antimicrobials, nutritional and psychosocial support, and ongoing education. Practical care plans, monitoring checklists, and recommendations for clinical practice and research are provided.