Which laboratory value should the nurse note for a client with leukemia receiving chemotherapy?

In the context of a client with leukemia receiving chemotherapy, monitoring laboratory values is crucial for understanding the patient’s condition and managing potential complications. An increased uric acid level is a significant concern in this situation.

During chemotherapy, cell breakdown occurs as cancer cells are destroyed, resulting in the release of purines from the DNA and RNA of these cells. This process can lead to an elevated uric acid level in the bloodstream, a condition known as tumor lysis syndrome. High uric acid levels can lead to kidney damage and other serious complications. Therefore, recognizing and monitoring uric acid levels allows the healthcare team to take preventive measures and address any arising issues promptly.

The other options may also be relevant to a patient with leukemia, but they do not specifically highlight the unique implications of chemotherapy. Anemia and decreased platelets can occur in such patients due to bone marrow suppression from chemotherapy, while a decreased leukocyte count is a typical effect of chemotherapy that indicates a compromised immune response. However, the rise in uric acid level directly relates to the metabolic changes caused by the treatment and the underlying disease, making it a critical laboratory value to watch closely.