Quick answerHold hydroxyurea and notify the prescriber because the neutrophil count is in the labeled toxic range.
Why this is correctHydroxyurea can cause severe myelosuppression. The Droxia dosing table identifies neutrophils below 2,000/mm3 as toxic and recommends interruption with frequent reassessment until recovery.
Easy analogy or mental pictureThe blood count is the safety gate for the next dose. When the neutrophil gate is below the labeled threshold, the medication waits.
Memory hookHydroxyurea plus ANC below 2,000/mm3: interrupt and reassess.NCLEX decision ruleReview the current complete blood count before administration. When a labeled hold threshold is reached, prevent further exposure and notify the authorized prescriber for follow-up and dose management.
Why the other choices are wrongNeutropenia is not a goal to ignore. Iron does not acutely correct medication-related neutropenia, and doubling a later dose would increase toxicity.
References
1DailyMed: DroxiaBlood-count thresholds and temporary interruption