In a cancer patient with three days of flu‑like symptoms, what history, physical examination, and investigations should be performed to evaluate for infection, febrile neutropenia, or sepsis?

Medical Advisory BoardAll articles are reviewed for accuracy by our Medical Advisory Board
Educational purpose only • Exercise caution as content is pending human review
Article Review Status
Submitted
Under Review
Approved

Last updated: February 5, 2026View editorial policy

Personalize

Help us tailor your experience

Which best describes you? Your choice helps us use language that's most understandable for you.

Related Questions

What are the diagnostic criteria of febrile neutropenia (FN) and its risk assessment?
Is prophylaxis (preventive measures) possible for febrile neutropenia?
What is the next step in management for a chemotherapy patient with febrile neutropenia (low neutrophil count with fever) who is not responding to broad-spectrum antibiotics, has a dropping hemoglobin (Hb) level, and increasing lactate dehydrogenase (LDH)?
What is the initial treatment for neutropenic sepsis?
What is the recommended antibiotic regimen for treating bacteria in neutropenia sepsis?
What are the effects and potential side‑effects of taking risperidone in the morning with lamotrigine and a second dose of risperidone in the evening?
What is the best approach to treat volume overload and a presumed urinary tract infection in an elderly female with HFpEF, coronary artery disease, hypertension, type 2 diabetes with nephropathy, paroxysmal atrial fibrillation on apixaban, stage 4 chronic kidney disease (severely reduced eGFR), secondary hyperparathyroidism, hypomagnesemia, prior hyperkalemia, anemia, hypoalbuminemia, who presents with significant weight gain, bilateral 2‑3+ pitting edema, and nitrite‑positive urine while on oral furosemide?
How should fever in a child after Bexsero (meningococcal group B) vaccination be managed?
When should sliding‑scale insulin be initiated and discontinued in an inpatient with hyperglycemia, and what dosing regimen should be used?
What are the common causes and appropriate management for a viral exanthem that initially presents on the arms and legs?
How should I manage wound care in a patient with diabetes, peripheral vascular disease, or immunosuppression?

Professional Medical Disclaimer

This information is intended for healthcare professionals. Any medical decision-making should rely on clinical judgment and independently verified information. The content provided herein does not replace professional discretion and should be considered supplementary to established clinical guidelines. Healthcare providers should verify all information against primary literature and current practice standards before application in patient care. Dr.Oracle assumes no liability for clinical decisions based on this content.

Have a follow-up question?

Our Medical A.I. is used by practicing medical doctors at top research institutions around the world. Ask any follow up question and get world-class guideline-backed answers instantly.