A nurse is reviewing the laboratory results of a newborn. Which of the following findings should the nurse report to the provider?

A.

Platelets 100,000/mm

B.

Hematocrit 48%

C.

Blood glucose 58 mg/dl.

D.

Hemoglobin 16 g/dL.

Answer and Rationale

The Correct Answer is A.

Thrombocytopenia is defined as a platelet count of less than 150,000/microL1.

Severe neonatal thrombocytopenia (platelet count <50,000/microL) can be associated with bleeding and potentially significant morbidity.

As a result, it is important to identify at-risk neonates and report low platelet counts to the provider.

Choice B is incorrect because a hematocrit of 48% is within the normal range for a newborn.

Choice C is incorrect because a blood glucose level of 58 mg/dl is within the normal range for a newborn.

Choice D is incorrect because a hemoglobin level of 16 g/dL is within the normal range for a newborn.