Answer:
If a client has a bacterial infection in the blood, also known as sepsis, the nurse will note an elevation in the white blood cell count (WBC) and specifically neutrophils, which are a type of white blood cell that play a key role in fighting bacterial infections. Additionally, the nurse may also note an increase in the C-Reactive Protein (CRP) and Procalcitonin (PCT) levels which are markers of inflammation. The nurse may also note an increase in the patient's body temperature, heart rate, and respiratory rate as well as a decrease in oxygen saturation. Other laboratory values that may be elevated in case of sepsis include lactate, blood urea nitrogen (BUN) and creatinine, and the nurse may also note an increase in the patient's blood culture.