Journal of pediatric oncology nursing : official journal of the Association of Pediatric Oncology Nurses
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J Pediatr Oncol Nurs · Jul 2008
Antibiotics in 30 minutes or less for febrile neutropenic patients: a quality control measure in a new hospital.
Infections are the most common complication in patients receiving treatment for cancer with neutropenia being the primary risk factor for the development of an infection. In the neutropenic patient, bacteremia remains a significant cause of mortality. Although the literature reports that prompt empiric antibiotic therapy to prevent death caused by virulent organisms is the standard of care, the literature fails to identify what prompt antibiotic administration means. ⋯ Initially, door/fever-to-patient time was significantly delayed. Collaboration between pharmacy, hospital bed control, medical, and nursing staff resulted in many changes in practice by all groups. As a result, the goal for prompt antibiotic delivery of thirty minutes or less is now achievable.