Question

Which laboratory value should a nurse report for a postoperative client following total hip arthroplasty?

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

Answer 1

The lab value to report is Hemoglobin (Hgb) 8 g/dL, as it indicates anemia and is lower than the normal range. This could be due to blood loss during surgery.

Step-by-step explanation:

The laboratory value a nurse should report for a postoperative client following total hip arthroplasty is d) Hemoglobin (Hgb) 8 g/dL. This value is considered low, as the normal range for hemoglobin is generally around 12-17.5 grams per deciliter for men and 11.5-15.5 grams per deciliter for women. A low hemoglobin level may indicate anemia, which could be a result of blood loss during surgery or another underlying condition. It is essential to report this finding to ensure the patient receives appropriate care, which may include a blood transfusion or other interventions to manage the low hemoglobin level.