Which laboratory finding in a female client undergoing chemotherapy should the nurse report to the provider?

In the context of a female client undergoing chemotherapy, a white blood cell (WBC) count of 2300/mm3 is a finding that should be reported to the provider. Chemotherapy can lead to myelosuppression, a condition in which the bone marrow's ability to produce blood cells is diminished. This results in a lower WBC count, increasing the client's risk for infections.

A normal WBC count typically ranges from about 4500 to 11,000/mm3. Therefore, a count of 2300/mm3 is categorized as leukopenia and indicates a significant risk for infection, especially in a client undergoing chemotherapy where the immune system is already compromised. Prompt reporting is crucial for the provider to assess the need for interventions such as protective isolation, growth factor administration, or modification of chemotherapy treatment.

The other laboratory findings indicate levels that are generally within normal ranges or not immediately concerning in the context of chemotherapy. A red blood cell (RBC) count of 5 million/mm3 is typical for a female, and while hemoglobin of 12 g/dL may be lower than the normal range, it is not critically low and does not pose an immediate risk. A platelet count of 155,000/mm3,