The client receives cyclophosphamide (Cytoxan). The nurse evaluates the client's laboratory work. Which laboratory finding would support canceling the client's next treatment with this drug?

Question

1. Hemoglobin of 14 g/dl
2. Blood urea nitrogen of 12 mg/dl
3. WBC count of 8,000 cells/mcl
4. Platelet count of 8,000/mm

Answer 1

Correct Answer: 4
Rationale 1: A hemoglobin of 14 g/dl is a normal level; there is no need to cancel the treatment.
Rationale 2: A blood urea nitrogen of 12 mg/dl is within a normal range; there is no need to cancel the treatment.
Rationale 3: A WBC of 8,000 cells/mcl is within a normal range; there is no need to cancel the treatment.
Rationale 4: A normal platelet count is at least 150,000. The client's count is at a dangerous level, and the client is at risk for hemorrhage, so this client should not receive another treatment of cyclophosphamide until numbers have increased.