The nurse is performing the preoperative assessment for a client scheduled for a vertebroplasty of the cervical spine. Which finding should the nurse alert the healthcare provider of prior to the procedure?
A.
Platelet count 40,000 x10/μL (40.000 x109/L).
B.
White blood cells 9,000/μL (9×109/L)
C.
Hematocrit 38% (0.38).
D.
Hemoglobin 12 g/dL (120 g/L).
The Correct answer and Explanation is:
The correct answer is A. Platelet count 40,000 x 10^6/μL (40 x 10^9/L).
Explanation:
In a preoperative assessment, it is crucial to evaluate various laboratory values to ensure the patient is in an optimal condition for surgery. For a client scheduled for a vertebroplasty of the cervical spine, attention to blood parameters is particularly important due to the risk of bleeding and complications associated with spinal procedures.
Platelet Count:
- Platelets are crucial for blood clotting. A normal platelet count typically ranges from 150,000 to 450,000 per microliter (150 to 450 x 10^9/L).
- A platelet count of 40,000 x 10^6/μL (40 x 10^9/L) is significantly below the normal range and indicates thrombocytopenia (low platelet count). This condition increases the risk of excessive bleeding during and after the procedure, as the blood’s ability to clot is impaired. This finding should be promptly reported to the healthcare provider, as it may necessitate interventions such as platelet transfusions or alternative procedural strategies to minimize bleeding risks.
White Blood Cell Count:
- White blood cells (WBCs) are part of the immune system and help fight infections. A normal range is typically between 4,000 and 11,000 per microliter (4 to 11 x 10^9/L).
- A WBC count of 9,000/μL (9 x 10^9/L) falls within the normal range. This value suggests no immediate infection or significant hematologic abnormality related to the current condition.
Hematocrit:
- Hematocrit measures the proportion of blood volume occupied by red blood cells. Normal values range from about 37% to 47% for women and 42% to 52% for men.
- A hematocrit of 38% (0.38) is within the normal range, indicating that the red blood cell volume is adequate.
Hemoglobin:
- Hemoglobin is the protein in red blood cells that carries oxygen. Normal levels are approximately 12 to 16 g/dL for women and 14 to 18 g/dL for men.
- A hemoglobin level of 12 g/dL (120 g/L) is at the lower end of the normal range for women and within normal limits for men, indicating sufficient oxygen-carrying capacity.
In summary, among the given values, the low platelet count (Option A) is the most critical finding that warrants immediate attention and intervention to prevent potential bleeding complications during the vertebroplasty procedure.