Which lab result should the nurse report to the healthcare provider immediately?

The rationale for reporting a positive urinalysis for leukocytes and nitrites in a chemotherapy client immediately is centered on the risk of urinary tract infections (UTIs) in patients undergoing chemotherapy. Chemotherapy can compromise the immune system, making the client more susceptible to infections. The presence of leukocytes indicates inflammation, while nitrites suggest the presence of bacteria, which typically leads to UTIs.

In a chemotherapy client with a compromised immune system, a UTI can escalate quickly and lead to systemic infection or sepsis, both of which can be life-threatening. Therefore, this lab result requires prompt intervention to initiate appropriate antibiotic therapy and further evaluation.

In contrast, other lab values listed may indicate important health issues, but they may not require immediate reporting. For instance, while an elevated amylase level is concerning in acute pancreatitis, it is a common finding and is typically monitored rather than immediately communicated unless there are significant changes or clinical deterioration. An elevated WBC count in a septic leg wound is common and tends to be monitored as part of the overall assessment. A serum glucose level of 235 mg/dL in a client with type 1 diabetes, while requiring treatment, is not an immediate emergency unless the client exhibits signs of diabetic ketoacidosis