A nurse reads a complete blood count report for a patient who has been admitted to the hospital with fluid overload from late-stage kidney disease. What abnormal result would the nurse expect to find?
A) increased white blood cells
B) increased platelets
C) decreased hematocrit
D) increased hematocrit

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Fluid overload from late-stage kidney disease can lead to anemia, which would result in a decreased hematocrit level. A complete blood count report includes measurements of red blood cells, white blood cells, and platelets, among other values. Elevated white blood cells (A) may indicate an infection or inflammation, while elevated platelets (B) may indicate a clotting disorder. Increased hematocrit (D) is not expected in fluid overload from late-stage kidney disease, as this is a sign of dehydration.

A Nurse Reads a Complete Blood Count Report for a Patient