A charge nurse is reviewing morning laboratory reports for clients on the unit. The charge nurse should recognize that which of the following laboratory findings is the priority to report to the provider?

A. An INR (International Normalized Ratio) of 5.2 is significantly above the therapeutic range for most clients on anticoagulation therapy (typically 2–3). This places the client at high risk for spontaneous bleeding, which can be life-threatening. Prompt reporting to the provider is essential for immediate intervention, such as holding anticoagulants or administering vitamin K. B. While slightly elevated hemoglobin may suggest dehydration or polycythemia, it is not an immediate life-threatening concern and does not require urgent provider notification compared to a critically elevated INR. C. This value is mildly elevated (normal range approximately 7–20 mg/dL) and could indicate mild dehydration or renal function changes. It is not immediately dangerous and does not take priority over the elevated INR. D. A fasting glucose of 69 mg/dL is slightly below normal but typically not emergent unless the client is symptomatic. While hypoglycemia should be addressed, it is less immediately life-threatening than a critically high INR with bleeding risk.