Question

a nurse is reviewing laboratory findings for a client who has sepsis from a urinary tract infection (uti). which of the following findings should the nurse expect?
decreased c - reactive protein (crp)
increased wbc count
decreased urine specific gravity
increased platelet count

Explanation:

• Decreased C - reactive protein (CRP): CRP is an acute - phase reactant. In sepsis (a systemic inflammatory response to infection), CRP levels are typically increased, not decreased.
• Increased WBC count: In response to infection (such as a UTI that has led to sepsis), the body's immune system is activated. White blood cells (WBCs) are part of the immune response. An increased WBC count (leukocytosis) is a common finding in infection - related conditions like sepsis.
• Decreased urine specific gravity: In sepsis, there can be dehydration (due to factors like increased metabolic rate, possible vomiting, etc.). Dehydration usually leads to an increased urine specific gravity (more concentrated urine), not a decreased one.
• Increased platelet count: In severe infections like sepsis, platelet counts can decrease (due to consumption in micro - thrombi formation in the context of disseminated intravascular coagulation which can occur in severe sepsis), not increase.

Answer:

Increased WBC count