In the nursing assessment, which lab value should elicit further assessment and requires notification of physician?

A 16-month-old infant is being prepared for tetralogy of Fallot repair.

In the nursing assessment, which lab value should elicit further assessment and requires notification of physician?
A . pH 7.39
B . White blood cell (WBC) count 10,000 WBCs/mm3
C . Hematocrit 60%
D . Bleeding time of 4 minutes

View Answer

Answer: C

Explanation:

(A) Normal pH of arterial blood gases for an infant is 7.35C7.45.

(B) Normal white blood cell count in an infant is 6,000C17,500 WBCs/mm3.

(C) Normal hematocrit in infant is 28%C42%. A 60% hematocrit may indicate polycythemia, a common complication of cyanotic heart disease.

(D) Normal bleeding time is 2C7 minutes.