Febrile neutropenia physical examination

For patient information page, see Febrile neutropenia (patient information).

Resident Survival Guide

Febrile Neutropenia Microchapters
Home
Patient Information
Overview
Historical Perspective
Pathophysiology
Causes
Epidemiology and Demographics
Risk Factors
Natural History, Complications and Prognosis
Diagnosis
Diagnostic Criteria
Initial Assessment
History and Symptoms
Physical Examination
Laboratory Findings
Chest X Ray
CT
Other Diagnostic Studies
Treatment
Medical Therapy
Primary Prevention
Febrile neutropenia physical examination On the Web
Most recent articles
Most cited articles
Review articles
CME Programs
Powerpoint slides
Images
American Roentgen Ray Society Images of Febrile neutropenia physical examination All Images X-rays Echo & Ultrasound CT Images MRI
Ongoing Trials at Clinical Trials.gov
US National Guidelines Clearinghouse
NICE Guidance
FDA on Febrile neutropenia physical examination
CDC on Febrile neutropenia physical examination
Febrile neutropenia physical examination in the news
Blogs on Febrile neutropenia physical examination
Directions to Hospitals Treating Febrile neutropenia
Risk calculators and risk factors for Febrile neutropenia physical examination

Editor-In-Chief: C. Michael Gibson, M.S., M.D. [1]

Synonyms and keywords: F and N; fever and neutropenia; FN; hot and low; hot leuk; neutropenic fever; neutropenic fever syndrome; neutropenic sepsis

Overview

The physical examination should focus on potential sites of infection.

Physical Examination

Skin

Induration and erythema may be minimal. Pustule formation are uncommon in the absence of neutrophils.

Throat

Examination of the oropharynx may reveal ulcers or plaques suggestive of herpes or candidiasis. Mucositis owing to cytotoxic chemotherapy may be indistinguishable from herpetic gingivostomatitis.

Lungs

Auscultation of the lungs may reveal minimal adventitial sounds.

Abdomen

Abdominal pain in neutropenic patients may herald an intraabdominal catastrophe secondary to neutropenic enterocolitis or tumor necrosis.

Other

Examination of catheter sites may disclose erythema, tenderness, or discharge.