What abnormal laboratory result should a nurse report to the surgeon's office regarding a client who underwent preadmission testing?

What abnormal laboratory result should a nurse report to the surgeon's office regarding a client who underwent preadmission testing?

• A. Hemoglobin 12.5 g/dL
• B. Hematocrit 40%
• C. Hemoglobin 8.9 g/dL
• D. Serum glucose 100 mg/dL

Answer: (C)

A hemoglobin level of 8.9 g/dL is considered significantly low and would indicate anemia, which can increase the risk of complications during and after surgery. Low hemoglobin can lead to inadequate oxygen delivery to tissues, affecting the patient's recovery and overall outcome. Reporting this abnormal result to the surgeon's office ensures that the medical team can assess the client thoroughly and potentially address the anemia prior to surgery, possibly through interventions such as blood transfusions, iron supplementation, or further diagnostic testing. In contrast, the other laboratory results reflect levels that are generally within the normal range for most adult patients. Hemoglobin of 12.5 g/dL indicates a generally acceptable level, as does a hematocrit of 40%. A serum glucose level of 100 mg/dL is also within a normal fasting range. Therefore, the most clinically significant finding among these options is the low hemoglobin, making it imperative to report to the surgeon's office.

A hemoglobin level of 8.9 g/dL is considered significantly low and would indicate anemia, which can increase the risk of complications during and after surgery. Low hemoglobin can lead to inadequate oxygen delivery to tissues, affecting the patient's recovery and overall outcome. Reporting this abnormal result to the surgeon's office ensures that the medical team can assess the client thoroughly and potentially address the anemia prior to surgery, possibly through interventions such as blood transfusions, iron supplementation, or further diagnostic testing.

In contrast, the other laboratory results reflect levels that are generally within the normal range for most adult patients. Hemoglobin of 12.5 g/dL indicates a generally acceptable level, as does a hematocrit of 40%. A serum glucose level of 100 mg/dL is also within a normal fasting range. Therefore, the most clinically significant finding among these options is the low hemoglobin, making it imperative to report to the surgeon's office.