Examkin

Question

Difficulty: EasyReduction of Risk Potential

A practical nurse is reviewing the morning laboratory results for an adult client receiving chemotherapy. Which finding indicates a significant risk for complications and must be reported to the registered nurse immediately?

  1. Platelet count of 30,000/mm330,000/\text{mm}^3Answer
  2. B
    White blood cell (WBC) count of 6,500/mm36,500/\text{mm}^3
  3. C
    Serum potassium level of 4.2 mEq/L4.2\text{ mEq/L}
  4. D
    Hemoglobin level of 11.0 g/dL11.0\text{ g/dL}

Answer

The practical nurse must immediately report the platelet count of 30,000/mm330,000/\text{mm}^3.
A platelet count of 30,000/mm330,000/\text{mm}^3 is significantly below the normal adult range of 150,000150,000 to 400,000/mm3400,000/\text{mm}^3. This condition, known as severe thrombocytopenia, places the client at imminent risk for spontaneous, potentially life-threatening hemorrhage. The practical nurse must immediately report this critical finding to the registered nurse so that strict bleeding precautions and possible platelet transfusions can be initiated.

Step-by-Step Solution

1
Review the provided laboratory values and compare each result against normal adult reference ranges.
The WBC and potassium levels are normal. The hemoglobin is slightly low, while the platelet count is critically low.
Identifying which values are outside of normal limits is the essential first step in risk reduction and prioritization.
2
Analyze the clinical significance of the abnormal values in the context of a client receiving chemotherapy.
A platelet count of 30,000/mm330,000/\text{mm}^3 represents severe thrombocytopenia, creating an immediate risk for spontaneous internal hemorrhage.
Chemotherapy induces bone marrow suppression. The nurse must determine which suppressed cell line poses the most acute threat to the client's life.
3
Select the finding that requires the most urgent clinical intervention and escalation.
The severely low platelet count is the priority and must be communicated to the registered nurse without delay.
Prompt escalation ensures timely medical intervention, such as initiating strict bleeding precautions or preparing a platelet transfusion.

Key Concept

Recognizing and prioritizing critical laboratory values to reduce client risk
Rate this question

Topics

Reduction of Risk Potential

More questions from this topic