Question

A nurse is reviewing the laboratory results of a client who has aplastic anemia. Which of the following findings indicates a potential complication?

A.RBC count 5.2 million/mm3
B.WBC count 2,000/mm3
C.Platelets 380,000/mm3
D.Potassium 4 mEq/L

Answer 1

B.WBC count 2,000/mm3. A potential complication in aplastic anemia is indicated by a low white blood cell count (WBC count), as it makes individuals more susceptible to infections.

Step-by-step explanation:

The nurse is reviewing the laboratory results of a client with aplastic anemia and is looking for potential complications. Aplastic anemia is a condition where there are deficient numbers of RBC stem cells, which can lead to various complications.

In this case, the potential complication would be a low white blood cell count (WBC count). The normal range for WBC count is 4,500 to 11,000 cells/mm3, so a count of 2,000/mm3 indicates a decrease in WBCs and can make the client more susceptible to infections.

Therefore, the finding of a WBC count of 2,000/mm3 indicates a potential complication for the client with aplastic anemia.