What laboratory findings should a nurse anticipate in a client with acute leukemia following aggressive chemotherapy?

In a client with acute leukemia undergoing aggressive chemotherapy, the correct expectation is a decreased platelet count. This decrease is primarily due to the myelosuppressive effects of chemotherapy, which target rapidly dividing cells, including those in the bone marrow responsible for producing platelets, white blood cells, and red blood cells.

Chemotherapy can lead to thrombocytopenia (a low platelet count), resulting in an increased risk for bleeding and bruising. Monitoring and managing this condition is crucial in the supportive care of a child with leukemia since low platelet levels can significantly affect the patient's ability to clot blood effectively.

In contrast, other laboratory findings such as increased leukocyte counts may initially be noted at diagnosis but will typically decrease as a result of effective chemotherapy targeting cancerous cells. An increased erythrocyte count would not be expected as the bone marrow is also suppressed, leading to anemia due to a lack of red blood cell production. Therefore, the most consistent laboratory finding among clients receiving aggressive chemotherapy for acute leukemia is indeed a decreased platelet count.