What is the correct approach to infection prevention for neutropenia related to chemotherapy?

• A. Avoid fresh fruits and vegetables
• B. Fresh fruits and vegetables should always be cooked
• C. Fresh fruits and vegetables can be eaten as long as washed thoroughly
• D. Handwashing is unnecessary

Answer: (C)

Infection prevention for neutropenia focuses on reducing exposure to microbes because chemotherapy lowers the body's defenses. Fresh produce isn’t off-limits, but it must be handled safely. Thoroughly washing fresh fruits and vegetables removes surface contaminants and reduces the risk of introducing organisms that can cause infection. If possible, peeling or cooking can add an extra layer of safety, though washing alone is often sufficient when done properly. Blanket avoidance of produce is unnecessarily restrictive and can impact nutrition, while insisting on cooking everything is more than needed if careful washing is done. And, of course, hand hygiene remains a cornerstone of preventing infections, so skipping handwashing would undermine protection.