The nurse is reviewing labs on a group of adult clients. Which lab value would prompt the nurse to immediately notify the health care provider?

  • hemoglobin 4.8 g/dL
  • troponin T 0.04 ng/mL
  • phosphorus 3.8 mg/dL
  • bilirubin (total) 0.7 mg/dL
Number 1 is correct.
The normal range for hemoglobin is 14 – 18 g/dL in males and 12 – 16 g/dL in females. This client’s hemoglobin value is critically low, which places him at increased risk for stroke, heart attack, congestive heart failure, and angina. The troponin, phosphorus, and bilirubin levels given are within normal limits.