The nurse includes the problem of "Risk for infection" in the plan of care for a client with myelosuppression. Which laboratory value of care provides the greatest support for this nursing problem? Reference Range Hemoglobin (Hgb) (14 to 18 g/dL (8.69 to 11.17 mmol/L] Hematocrit (Hct) [42% to 52% (0.42 to 0.52 volume fraction)] Red Blood Cell Count (RBC) [4.2 to 5.4 x 10/μL (4.2 to 5.4 x 1012/L)] White Blood Cell (WBC) [5,000 to 10,000/mm3 (5 to 10 x 10"/L)]

A. Hematocrit measures the proportion of blood volume that is occupied by red blood cells. A hematocrit of 33% is lower than the normal range (42% to 52% for males and 37% to 47% for females). While this indicates anemia and reduced oxygen-carrying capacity of the blood, it is not directly related to the risk for infection. B. White blood cells (WBCs) are crucial for the immune system and fighting infections. A WBC count of 1,500/mm³ is significantly below the normal range (5,000 to 10,000/mm³). This low WBC count, also known as leukopenia, indicates a decreased ability to fight infections, making the client highly susceptible to infections. C. Hemoglobin measures the oxygen-carrying capacity of red blood cells. A hemoglobin level of 10 g/dL is below the normal range (14 to 18 g/dL), indicating anemia. While anemia affects overall health and can contribute to fatigue and weakness, it does not directly indicate the risk for infection. D. The red blood cell (RBC) count measures the number of red blood cells in the blood. A count of 3.5 x 10^12/L is below the normal range (4.2 to 5.4 x 10^12/L), indicating a reduction in red blood cells and anemia. Like low hemoglobin, this value indicates anemia but does not directly reflect the risk for infection.