A female client has been undergoing diagnostic testing since admission

A female client has been undergoing diagnostic testing since admission to the medical unit in the hospital. The results of blood testing are sent back to the unit.

Upon reviewing the results, the nurse will report which of the following findings to the physi-cian, which is abnormal?
1. Erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR) 35 mm/hr
2. White blood cell (WBC) count 8000/mm3
3. Neutrophils 65%
4. Iron 75 g/100 mL

ANSWER

ANS: 1
The normal erythrocyte sedimentation rate for women is 20 mm/hr. The client’s ESR is 35 mm/hr, indicating the presence of the inflammatory process. The normal WBC count is 5000-10,000/mm3. The client is within normal limits at 8000/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 75 g/100 mL.