Question

A nurse is reviewing the laboratory results of a client who has a new diagnosis of acute leukemia. Which of the following findings should the nurse identify as an expected finding?

A) Increased white blood cell count.
B) Elevated platelet count.
C) Decreased hemoglobin levels.
D) Normal lymphocyte count.

Answer 1

An expected finding for a patient with acute leukemia is an increased white blood cell count, referred to as leukocytosis. This condition impairs the production of other blood cells, such as platelets and erythrocytes, potentially leading to symptoms like bruising and fatigue.

Step-by-step explanation:

The nurse should identify increased white blood cell count as an expected finding in a client with a new diagnosis of acute leukemia. Acute leukemia is characterized by the rapid production of abnormal white blood cells, leading to leukocytosis, which crowds the bone marrow and impairs the production of normal blood cells. This often results in a decrease of other blood cell types, such as platelets and erythrocytes (red blood cells), which can lead to symptoms like bruising and fatigue due to low platelet count and anemia, respectively. Moreover, the level of lymphocytes will also be affected, leading to a compromised immune system.

Regarding a patient with acute myelogenous leukemia, one would expect impaired production of erythrocytes due to the domination of the marrow by leukemic cells. The buffy coat is the portion of a blood sample that contains most of the white blood cells and platelets, not the proteins, and this component can be affected by various blood disorders, including leukemia.

For a patient undergoing chemotherapy, a neutrophil count of 1900 cells per microliter falls within the acceptable range for proceeding with chemotherapy, as counts below 1500 cells per microliter could indicate a high risk for infection and might warrant a delay in treatment.