What does the term "neutropenia" refer to in oncology nursing?

Neutropenia refers specifically to a decreased number of neutrophils, which are a type of white blood cell essential for the immune response to infections. In oncology nursing, understanding neutropenia is critical because many cancer treatments, particularly chemotherapy, can lead to a reduction in neutrophil counts. This condition increases the patient's vulnerability to infections, necessitating careful monitoring and potential interventions to protect the patient’s health.

When patients are neutropenic, they may experience a higher risk of developing febrile neutropenia, which is a serious condition requiring prompt medical attention. Knowing the implications of neutropenia helps nursing professionals in providing appropriate support and education to patients undergoing cancer treatment. The other options do not accurately describe neutropenia, as they refer to unrelated concepts within oncology nursing.