Question

A nurse is caring for a client who is postoperative following a total hip arthroplasty. Which of the following laboratory values should the nurse report to the provider?

a. Potassium 4 mEq/L
b. WBC count 10,000/mm3
c. Hct 45%
d. Hgb 8 g/dL

Answer 1

The nurse should report a hemoglobin (Hgb) level of 8 g/dL to the provider.

Step-by-step explanation:

The nurse should report a hemoglobin (Hgb) level of 8 g/dL to the provider. A normal Hgb level for an adult male is 13.5-17.5 g/dL and for an adult female is 12.0-15.5 g/dL. An Hgb level of 8 g/dL is significantly below the normal range, indicating anemia, which can have serious implications for a postoperative client. The nurse should notify the provider so that appropriate interventions can be initiated to address the low Hgb level and prevent complications.