In cancer patients with fever and neutropenia, which action reduces risk of sepsis?

• A. Delay antibiotics until culture results.
• B. Provide supportive care only.
• C. Administer broad-spectrum antibiotics promptly after cultures; monitor for sepsis.
• D. Administer antivirals first.

Answer: (C)

In cancer patients with fever and neutropenia, the body's ability to fight infection is severely reduced, so infections can progress to sepsis very quickly. The best way to reduce that risk is to start broad-spectrum intravenous antibiotics promptly after cultures are obtained, with the goal of beginning treatment within the first hour. This empiric therapy targets common and aggressive pathogens, including Pseudomonas, and is then refined as culture results and the patient’s condition evolve. Delaying antibiotics until culture results are known allows infection to advance and raises mortality risk. Providing only supportive care doesn’t address the infection, and antivirals aren’t the priority unless a viral infection is suspected or confirmed. Prompt broad-spectrum coverage is the cornerstone of reducing sepsis risk in this scenario.