Which laboratory value should a nurse report immediately for a toddler receiving chemotherapy for leukemia?

In the context of a toddler receiving chemotherapy for leukemia, a hemoglobin level of 6 g/dL is critically low and represents a significant concern. Hemoglobin is the component of red blood cells responsible for carrying oxygen throughout the body. When hemoglobin levels drop to this extent, the child may experience severe fatigue, weakness, and increased risk of hypoxia, along with other complications.

In pediatric patients, particularly those undergoing chemotherapy, maintaining adequate hemoglobin levels is essential for overall health and recovery. A hemoglobin level of 6 g/dL indicates severe anemia, which may require urgent intervention, such as a blood transfusion or other supportive care to stabilize the child's condition.

The other laboratory values are concerning, but they do not require the same level of immediate intervention. For instance, a platelet count of 50,000/mm³ is low but often tolerated in pediatric populations, although it poses a risk of bleeding. A white blood cell count of 8,000/mm³ is within the normal range, especially considering the child is undergoing treatment for leukemia, and a neutrophil count of 1,000/mm³ indicates neutropenia, which is also a common side effect of chemotherapy but not as immediately life-threatening as a hemoglobin level