Test Bank Pharmacology and the Nursing Process Related

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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: The correct answer is C: platelets 18,000. A critically low platelet count can lead to life-threatening bleeding in the ICU. Normal platelet count ranges from 150,000 to 450,000. A count of 18,000 indicates severe thrombocytopenia. Immediate reporting is crucial for prompt intervention.

Rationale for why other choices are incorrect:
A: Hematocrit of 48% is within normal range (male: 42-52%, female: 37-47%).
B: paCO2 of 38 mm Hg is within normal range (35-45 mm Hg).
D: WBC count of 8000 is within normal range (4000-11000/uL).

In critical care settings, it is vital to prioritize and address life-threatening conditions promptly, hence the urgent need to report the critically low platelet count.