Febrile neutropenia physical examination

The physical examination should focus on potential sites of infection.^[1]

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

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.

Auscultation of the lungs may reveal minimal adventitial sounds.

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

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