What nursing diagnosis is most appropriate for a patient experiencing neutropenia?

In a patient experiencing neutropenia, the most appropriate nursing diagnosis is "Risk for infection." Neutropenia signifies a lower than normal number of neutrophils, which are a type of white blood cell essential for fighting off infections. When neutrophil levels are decreased, the body's ability to respond to bacterial infections is compromised, placing the patient at a heightened risk for infections that could arise from both external pathogens and opportunistic organisms.

In this context, identifying the risk for infection allows healthcare providers to implement preventive measures, including monitoring for signs of infection, educating the patient about good hygiene practices, and possibly administering medications to stimulate the production of white blood cells.

While the other options such as fatigue, altered nutrition, and pain may be relevant in certain cases, they do not directly address the immediate threat posed by the compromised immune function associated with neutropenia. Thus, prioritizing the risk for infection is crucial in the management of patients with this condition.