While working with clients in the postoperative period, the nurse is v

While working with clients in the postoperative period, the nurse is very alert to the results of la-boratory tests. Which one of the following results is indicative of an infectious process?

1. Iron 80 g/100 mL
2. Neutrophils 65%
3. White blood cells (WBC) 18,000/mm3
4. Erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR) 15 mm/hr

ANSWER

ANS: 3
An elevated WBC count is indicative of an acute infection. The normal WBC count is 5000 to 10,000/mm3. The normal neutrophil count is 55%-70%. The client is within normal limits at 65%. The normal iron level is 60-90 g/100 mL. The client is within normal limits at 80 g/100 mL. The normal erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR) is up to 15 mm/hr for men and up to 20 mm/hr for women. The client is within normal limits at 15 mm/hr.