Introduction to Maternity and Pediatric Nursing Test Bank Related

Review Introduction to Maternity and Pediatric Nursing Test Bank related questions and content

A client is admitted to the ICU, which laboratory result must be reported immediately to the physician?

  • A. Hematocrit 48%
  • B. paCO2 38 mm Hg
  • C. platelets 18,000
  • D. WBC count 8000
Correct Answer: C

Rationale: A platelet count of 18,000 is significantly low, indicating a condition known as thrombocytopenia, which can lead to a risk of bleeding. In a critical care setting like the ICU, low platelet counts need to be addressed urgently to prevent serious complications such as hemorrhage. This result must be reported immediately to the physician so that appropriate interventions, such as transfusion of platelets, can be initiated promptly to manage the patient's condition effectively. Hematocrit, paCO2, and WBC count may also be important parameters to monitor in an ICU patient, but the critically low platelet count poses the most immediate threat to the patient's well-being and requires urgent attention.