What supportive care measures should be implemented for a patient with neutropenic sepsis in a primary care setting?

Provide immediate hospital assessment for suspected neutropenic sepsis, including urgent referral to secondary or tertiary care. This is a medical emergency requiring prompt specialist intervention ¹.

In the primary care setting, support measures include advising the patient and carers on infection prevention strategies, such as good personal and oral hygiene, handwashing, ensuring foods are well-cooked, and wearing protective gloves for cleaning and gardening ².

Ensure the patient is kept hydrated by encouraging oral fluid intake or, if unable, arranging for intravenous fluids if hospital transfer is imminent or ongoing ².

Monitor the patient’s clinical condition closely, including signs of deterioration, and prepare for urgent transfer if the patient becomes critically unwell ².

Provide clear instructions on when to seek emergency care, including worsening symptoms or signs of sepsis, and ensure the patient and carers understand the importance of rapid hospital assessment ¹.