Question: Which of the following laboratory results on a newly admitted client should the nurse report to the physician immediately?
1. Potassium 4.1 mEq/L
2. Hemoglobin 12.2 g/dL
3. Platelet count 165,000 mm3
4. White blood cell count 17,200 mm3
Answer: 4
Rationale: A white blood cell (WBC) count of 17,200 mm3 would be highest priority because the count is elevated and may indicate an acute infection. Normal WBC results are 4300 to 10,800 mm3. The other results are within normal limits: potassium 3.5 to 5.0 mEq/L (1); hemoglobin 13.5 to 18 g/dl (male) or 12 to 16 g/dL (female) (2); platelets 150,000 to 450,000 mm3 (3).
Cognitive Level: Analysis
Nursing Process: Diagnosis
NCLEX Test Plan Category: Physiological Integrity
This week’s NCLEX exam practice question came from:
Manno: Mosby's Review Cards for the NCLEX-RN Examination, 3rd Edition, Integrated Concepts, Card 685, question17
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