A hospitalized patient's lab work is as follows: WBC 2000, bands 14.8%, and segmented neutrophils 5. The healthcare professional calculates the patient's absolute neutrophil count (ANC). What action does the professional take next?
A)Implements protocols to prevent life-threatening infections
B)Encourages the patient to limit any visitors for the present time
C)Does nothing; this is a normal ANC for the white cell count
D)Holds the patient's medications until the ANC returns to normal

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The ANC is calculated by multiplying the white blood cell count by the sum of the bands and segmented neutrophils. This patient's ANC is 396, placing him or her at extremely high risk of developing a life-threatening infection. Visitors may need to be limited but that will not protect the patient from all sources of infection. The patient's medications would not all be held because of this finding.

A Hospitalized Patient's Lab Work Is as Follows: WBC 2000