Difficulty: Medium
Average Score: 72%
Simulated
A nurse is reviewing the laboratory results of a client who has a pressure ulcer. The nurse should identify an elevation in which of the following laboratory values as an indication that the client has developed an infection?
Correct answer
A
Rationale
The correct answer is A: WBC count. An elevated WBC count is indicative of an infection as white blood cells increase in response to an infection, helping to fight off pathogens. The other choices, BUN, Potassium, and RBC count, are not specific indicators of infection. BUN measures kidney function, Potassium levels relate to electrolyte balance, and RBC count assesses oxygen-carrying capacity. Only an elevated WBC count directly points towards an infection.