A client is post-op nephrectomy for renal cancer. Which lab results would cause most concern for the nurse?

Table 34.1 Review of Normal Ranges for Complete Blood Cell Counts (Adult)

Blood Cell

Normal Ranges

Red blood cells (mature, circulating)

Male 4.51-6.01 million/mm3

Female: 4.01-5.51 million/mm3

Hemoglobin

Adult (15-64 yr)

Male 14-17.3 g/dL

Female 11.7-15.5 g/dL

Hematocrit

42% -52% in males

36% -48% in females

Reticulocytes

0.5% -2.5% of total RBC count

White blood cells (total)

4.5-11.1 103/mm3

Neutrophils

59%

Bands 3%

Segs-56%

Eosinophils

2.7%

Basophils

0.5%

Lymphocytes

34%

Monocytes

4%

Platelets

150,000-450,000/mm3

Hemoglobin of 14 g/dL

Platelet count 150,000 mm3

White blood cell count 17,000 mm3

Neutrophils 59%

Answer and Explanation

The Correct Answer is C

A.   This value is within the normal range for adult males (14-17.3 g/dL) and borderline for females (11.7- 15.5 g/dL). While the specific context of the patient (e.g., gender) matters, generally, a hemoglobin level of 14 g/dL would not typically cause concern.

B.   A platelet count of 150,000/mm³ is at the lower limit of normal (150,000-450,000/mm³). While this may be concerning in certain clinical contexts, it is still within the acceptable range and would not typically raise alarm for a post-op nephrectomy patient unless there are other indications of bleeding or clotting issues.
C.   This white blood cell count is elevated (normal range is 4.5-11.1 x 10³/mm³). An elevated WBC count can indicate an infection, inflammation, or a response to surgery, which is particularly concerning post- operatively. This result would warrant further investigation to rule out infection, which is critical for recovery.
D.   The neutrophil percentage of 59% is within the normal range (typically around 40-70% for total WBCs). While it is slightly elevated, it is not concerning on its own without additional context, especially since it may be elevated in response to surgery or stress.

Nursing Test Bank

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Correct Answer is C

Explanation

A. While the nursing student may assist with feeding, the nurse should always assess the client's swallowing ability and provide direct supervision to ensure the client's safety.
B. Placing food on the affected side of the mouth can increase the risk of aspiration. The food should be placed on the unaffected side of the mouth.
C. Distractions can impair the client's ability to focus on swallowing and increase the risk of aspiration. A quiet environment can help the client concentrate on eating.
D. The head of the bed should be elevated to at least 30 degrees during and after feeding to reduce the risk of aspiration.

A. Encourage the use of incentive spirometry B. report 8/10 incisional pain C. Assess popliteal pulses D. Early ambulation

Correct Answer is D

Explanation

A. This option is primarily aimed at promoting lung expansion and preventing atelectasis (collapse of the lung). While it's an important post-operative intervention, it does not directly reduce the risk of embolic events related to venous thromboembolism.
B. Reporting significant pain (8/10) may indicate complications such as infection or improper healing, but it does not directly relate to reducing the risk of embolic events. While managing pain is important for recovery, simply reporting it does not contribute to preventing VTEs.
C. Assessing popliteal pulses is part of a thorough circulatory assessment, but it mainly focuses on blood flow to the lower extremities rather than preventing embolic events. It can help identify existing DVT but does not actively reduce the risk of embolism.
D. This statement is true and is the best choice for decreasing the risk of an embolic event. Early ambulation promotes venous return, improves circulation, and significantly lowers the risk of DVT and pulmonary embolism in post-operative patients. Encouraging patients to get out of bed and move around as soon as they are stable is a key nursing intervention in post-operative care.

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Blood Cell	Normal Ranges
Red blood cells (mature, circulating)	Male 4.51-6.01 million/mm3 Female: 4.01-5.51 million/mm3
Hemoglobin	Adult (15-64 yr) Male 14-17.3 g/dL Female 11.7-15.5 g/dL
Hematocrit	42% -52% in males 36% -48% in females
Reticulocytes	0.5% -2.5% of total RBC count
White blood cells (total)	4.5-11.1 103/mm3
Neutrophils	59% Bands 3% Segs-56%
Eosinophils	2.7%
Basophils	0.5%
Lymphocytes	34%
Monocytes	4%
Platelets	150,000-450,000/mm3

Nursing Test Bank

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Correct Answer is C

Explanation

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Explanation

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