Question

The nurse is MOST concerned by which of the following lab results?

1) AST (SGOT) 30 units/L, ALT (SGPT) 27 units/L
2) Hgb 16.2 g/dL, Hct 46
3) WBC 7,000/mm3
4) BUN 9 mg/dL

Answer 1

The nurse would be most concerned by the option indicating a WBC of 7,000/mm3, which is a normal value, suggesting no immediate concern. Other lab results related to liver and kidney function are within or slightly above the normal range, but not dramatically elevated.

Step-by-step explanation:

The nurse would be most concerned with option 3) WBC 7,000/mm3. The values for AST (SGOT) and ALT (SGPT) given in options 1) are slightly elevated beyond the normal range of 5-20 IU/litre and 5-15 IU/litre, respectively, which could suggest mild liver stress or damage, but not a cause for immediate concern. In option 2), the Hgb and Hct values are normal, indicating no anemia or dehydration status. Option 4) presents a BUN level within the normal range of 8-20 mg/dL, so it does not indicate renal dysfunction.