A female client is receiving chemotherapy and is experiencing pancytopenia. Which laboratory result most warrants that the nurse
immediately contact the physician?
ExplanationPancytopenia means a decrease in all blood components. Because a platelet count of less than 15,000/mm3 can result in spontaneous bleeding, the nurse notifies the HCP of this laboratory result. Neutrophils are a type of WBC. An absolute neutrophil count between 1,000 and 1,800/mm3 suggests mild neutropenia and represents a low risk of infection. Although references vary, normal range for WBC counts are 5,000 to 11,000/mm3 , and a female’s normal hemoglobin (Hgb) value is roughly 12 to 16
g/100 ml. Therefore, the WBC count and Hgb levels are a bit low, but not critical.