In patients with neutropenia, which precaution is emphasized to reduce infection risk?

• A. Consume raw fruits and vegetables with thorough washing.
• B. Avoid raw foods and flowers.
• C. Avoid contact with anyone who is ill.
• D. No special precautions needed.

Answer: (B)

Neutropenia lowers the body's ability to fight infections, so preventing exposure to potential pathogens is a primary goal. Avoiding raw foods and flowers directly reduces common sources of infection: raw produce can harbor bacteria that aren’t always eliminated by washing, and cut flowers can bring bacteria or fungi from soil and water into the environment and contact surfaces. Cooking foods thoroughly kills most pathogens, which is why raw items are avoided in this context. While avoiding contact with someone ill and general precautions are helpful, the most protective single step among these options is steering clear of raw foods and fresh flowers.