A nurse is caring for a client who is in the compensatory stage of shock. Which of the following findings should the nurse expect?

Choice A: Hct 45% is not a value that the nurse should report to the provider. Hct, or hematocrit, is the percentage of red blood cells in the total blood volume. The normal range for Hct is 37% to 51% for men and 32% to 45% for women. Hct 45% is within the normal range and does not indicate any abnormality.

Choice B: Platelets 160,000/mm³ is not a value that the nurse should report to the provider. Platelets, or thrombocytes, are cell fragments that help with blood clotting and hemostasis. The normal range for platelets is 150,000 to 450,000/mm³. Platelets 160,000/mm³ is within the normal range and does not indicate any abnormality.

Choice C: WBC 1,700/mm³ is a value that the nurse should report to the provider. WBC, or white blood cells, are cells that fight infection and inflammation. The normal range for WBC is 4,500 to 11,000/mm³. WBC 1,700/mm³ is below the normal range and indicates leukopenia, which is a low number of white blood cells. Leukopenia can be caused by various conditions, such as viral infections, autoimmune disorders, bone marrow suppression, or chemotherapy. Leukopenia can increase the risk of infection and sepsis and requires prompt evaluation and treatment.

Choice D: Hgb 14.7 g/dL is not a value that the nurse should report to the provider. Hgb, or hemoglobin, is a protein in red blood cells that carries oxygen to the tissues. The normal range for Hgb is 13.5 to 17.5 g/dL for men and 12.0 to 15.5 g/dL for women. Hgb 14.7 g/dL is within the normal range and does not indicate any abnormality.

Choice A Reason: This is incorrect because cleaning the wound is not a priority when the client is bleeding profusely. Cleaning the wound can also dislodge any clots that have formed and increase bleeding.

Choice B Reason: This is incorrect because applying a tourniquet is a last resort when direct pressure fails to stop bleeding. A tourniquet can cause tissue damage, nerve injury, and infection if applied incorrectly or for too long.

Choice C Reason: This is correct because applying direct pressure over the wound is the first and most effective action to stop bleeding from a wound. This is the first and most effective action to stop bleeding from a wound. Direct pressure compresses the blood vessels and prevents further blood loss. The nurse should use a clean cloth or dressing to cover the wound and apply firm pressure with both hands.

Choice D Reason: This is incorrect because elevating the limb and applying ice are not effective actions to stop bleeding from a wound. Elevating the limb can reduce blood flow to the injured area, but it does not compress the blood vessels or prevent blood loss. Applying ice can cause vasoconstriction, but it can also damage the skin and tissues if applied for too long.