The nurse is caring for a client who is taking warfarin and is scheduled for a cholecystectomy. Which laboratory result should the nurse report to the healthcare provider (HCP)? Reference Ranges: Hemoglobin (Hgb) [14 to 18 g/dL (140 to 180 g/L)] White Blood Cell (WBC) [5,000 to 10,000/mm³ (5 to 10 × 10⁹/L)] International normalized ratio (INR) [0.8 to 1.1] Potassium [3.5 to 5.0 mEq/L (3.5 to 5.0 mmol/L)]

Choice A reason: A potassium level of 4.9 mEq/L is within the normal range (3.5–5.0). This result does not pose a surgical risk and does not require urgent reporting. Choice B reason: A hemoglobin level of 14 g/dL is normal for males (14–18). This indicates adequate oxygen-carrying capacity and does not pose a surgical risk. Choice C reason: An INR of 1.6 is elevated above the normal range (0.8–1.1). Since the client is on warfarin, this indicates increased anticoagulation and risk of bleeding during surgery. This finding must be reported to the HCP immediately to determine if warfarin should be held or reversed prior to surgery. Choice D reason: A WBC count of 10,000/mm³ is at the upper limit of normal. This does not indicate infection or pose a surgical risk.