Question

The home health care nurse reviews the laboratory results for 4 clients. Which laboratory value is most important for the nurse to report to the health care provider?

Answer 1

The laboratory value that is most important for the nurse to report to the health care provider is the result of the full blood count for the presence of a raised white cell count (neutrophilia) suggestive of infection.

Step-by-step explanation:

The laboratory value that is most important for the nurse to report to the health care provider is the result of the full blood count for the presence of a raised white cell count (neutrophilia) suggestive of infection. This laboratory value indicates if there is an ongoing active infectious disease or a blood-associated disorder. High white blood cell count can be a sign of infection or inflammation in the body.

For example, if one of the clients has a significantly elevated white cell count compared to the normal range, it could indicate a possible infection or inflammatory process. The nurse should report this finding to the health care provider for further evaluation and appropriate treatment.

Other laboratory values, such as renal function and blood calcium levels, are also important but may not be as urgent to report as an elevated white cell count.