When admitting a child with acute lymphocytic leukemia, which lab value should the nurse prepare for?

In a child with acute lymphocytic leukemia (ALL), a common finding is a reduced red blood cell (RBC) count, leading to anemia. This condition occurs due to the bone marrow's inability to produce sufficient healthy cells due to the proliferation of leukemic cells. A RBC count of 2.5 million/uL reflects significant anemia, which is consistent with the pathophysiology of ALL.

This lower RBC count points toward the body's inability to compensate for the decreased production of red blood cells as a result of the leukemic process. Other counts presented, such as 4.5 million/uL, 8 million/uL, and 5 million/uL, indicate normal or elevated RBC levels, which are not typically observed in children with acute lymphocytic leukemia. Consequently, being prepared for the lower RBC count aligns with the expected laboratory findings in this diagnosis, highlighting the significance of understanding the condition's impact on hematological values.