Question

A nurse is monitoring laboratory values for a male client who has leukemia and is receiving weekly chemotherapy with methotrexate via IV infusion. Which of the following laboratory values should the nurse report to the provider?

A. BUN 18 mg/dL
B. Platelets 78,000/mm3
C. Hemoglobin 14.2 g/dL
D. Aspartate aminotransferase (AST) 35 units/L

Answer 1

The nurse should report a platelet count of 78,000/mm3 to the provider as it indicates thrombocytopenia, a low platelet count. Thrombocytopenia is a common side effect of chemotherapy and can lead to an increased risk of bleeding.

Step-by-step explanation:

The nurse should report a platelet count of 78,000/mm3 to the provider. This value is below the normal range (150,000-400,000/mm3) and indicates thrombocytopenia, a low platelet count. Thrombocytopenia is a common side effect of chemotherapy and can lead to an increased risk of bleeding. The provider may need to adjust the treatment plan or prescribe interventions to prevent bleeding complications.