When caring for a child with cystic fibrosis, which lab finding should alert the nurse to report to the provider?

In a patient with cystic fibrosis, oxygen saturation is a critical parameter for monitoring respiratory function. An oxygen saturation level of 85% indicates significant hypoxemia, which is concerning and should prompt immediate intervention. In children with cystic fibrosis, the lungs can become significantly compromised due to thick mucus build-up, leading to reduced oxygen exchange and potentially life-threatening conditions.

An oxygen saturation below 90% is generally considered indicative of respiratory distress or failure, often requiring additional supportive measures or medical intervention. This situation necessitates prompt reporting to the healthcare provider to address the child's respiratory status and ensure appropriate care is initiated to optimize oxygenation and pulmonary function.

In contrast, a heart rate of 110 bpm could be considered within a normal range for a child, depending on age and activity level. An oxygen saturation of 95% is within acceptable limits for most pediatric patients, as is an RBC count of 6 million/uL, which often falls within the normal range for children. Thus, while these findings may warrant monitoring, they do not present the same urgent concern as an oxygen saturation of 85%.