While changing a client's postoperative dressing, the nurse observes purulent drainage at the site. Before reporting this finding to the healthcare provider, the nurse should note which of the client's laboratory values?

A. Serum sodium level is not directly related to the presence of infection or the client's ability to fight infection.B. Platelet count is important for assessing bleeding risk but is not directly related to infection.C. Hematocrit levels are related to the client's blood volume and anemia status but do not directly indicate infection.D. Neutrophil count is crucial for assessing the client’s immune response and ability to fight infection. An elevated neutrophil count could indicate an ongoing infection, while a low count could suggest an immunocompromised state.