What Are Neutropenic Precautions?
If your white blood cell count drops to 1,000 per mm3 or below, you are neutropenic and a nurse will contact you by phone. Until your count rises, it will be necessary for you to take measures in addition to those discussed above to further decrease your risk for infection. These additional steps are referred to as Neutropenic Precautions and include: • Take your temperature by mouth four times each day. Call your doctor immediately if your oral temperature is above 100.5 degrees Fahrenheit • Eliminate uncooked foods, which may contain germs, from your diet, including: • cold soups made from fresh fruits or vegetables • salads of raw vegetables or fruits • raw meats or fish salads • natural cheeses • uncooked eggs • fresh, frozen and dried fruits • uncooked herbs, spices and black pepper • instant iced tea, coffee or punch • sushi and sashimi • Avoid fresh flowers and plants which may have germs in the soil • Avoid enemas, rectal suppositories and rectal temperatures • Unless an emerge
