While caring for a client with a full thickness burn covering 40% of the body surface area (BSA), the nurse observes purulent drainage at the wound. Before reporting this finding to the healthcare provider, the nurse should note which of the client's laboratory values?

A. Hematocrit levels provide information about hydration status and blood volume but are not directly related to infection or immune response. B. The neutrophil count is crucial in assessing the body's response to infection; elevated levels would indicate an ongoing infection, which is relevant in the presence of purulent drainage. C. Serum blood glucose levels are important for overall health, especially in diabetic patients, but they do not provide immediate information about infection status. D. Serum albumin is a measure of nutritional status and can indicate healing capacity, but it does not directly assess the presence or severity of infection.