A nurse is caring for a client who is receiving cisplatin for treatment of ovarian cancer. The client's most recent complete blood count (CBC) is shown in the table below. It is important for the nurse to consider which of the following for the client? WBC 1,400/mm3 RBC 4.3 x 1012 /L Hgb 12.1 g/dL Hct 36.5% Platelets 170,000/mm3 Albumin 14.5 g/dL

Rationale: A. This is incorrect because the client’s hemoglobin (12.1 g/dL) and hematocrit (36.5%) are within normal limits, indicating no current anemia. Erythropoiesis-stimulating agents (ESAs) are used only when hemoglobin levels are low, typically below 10 g/dL. B. The WBC count of 1,400/mm³ indicates severe leukopenia (neutropenia), a common adverse effect of cisplatin, a myelosuppressive chemotherapeutic agent. A normal WBC count ranges from 4,000 to 10,000/mm³. With such a low count, the client’s immune defenses are significantly compromised, placing them at high risk for infection. Neutropenic precautions should be implemented, including strict hand hygiene, avoiding crowds, and limiting exposure to infectious agents. C. This is incorrect because the platelet count (170,000/mm³) is within the normal range (150,000–450,000/mm³). Thrombocytopenia, not present here, would increase bleeding risk. D. This is not the priority. The albumin level (14.5 g/dL) shown is likely a typographical error since normal serum albumin ranges from 3.5–5.0 g/dL. Even if elevated, it is not clinically significant compared to the urgent risk posed by leukopenia.