To determine which assessment finding is most concerning for the nurse, let's evaluate each given assessment detail:
1. [tex]\(P 120\)[/tex] beats/min and [tex]\(BP 90/60\)[/tex] mm Hg.
2. [tex]\( \text {18 breaths/min} \)[/tex] and [tex]\(BP 110/70\)[/tex] mm Hg.
3. White blood cell (WBC) count [tex]\(16,000 / mm ^3 (16 \times 10^9 / L) \)[/tex].
4. Platelet count [tex]\(325,000 / mm ^3 (325 \times 10^9 / L) \)[/tex].
### Step-by-Step Analysis:
#### 1. Pulse and Blood Pressure:
- Pulse: A normal resting heart rate for adults ranges from 60 to 100 beats per minute. A pulse rate of 120 beats/min is higher than normal, indicating tachycardia.
- Blood Pressure: Normal blood pressure range is typically around 120/80 mm Hg. Blood pressure of 90/60 mm Hg is lower than the normal range. However, this might still be acceptable if there are no other symptoms, although it suggests hypotension.
#### 2. Breathing Rate and Blood Pressure:
- Breathing Rate: A normal breathing rate for adults is 12 to 20 breaths per minute. A rate of 18 breaths/min is within the normal range.
- Blood Pressure: A blood pressure of 110/70 mm Hg is within the acceptable range.
#### 3. White Blood Cell (WBC) Count:
- WBC Count: The normal WBC count ranges from [tex]\(4,000 \text{ to } 11,000/mm^3\)[/tex]. A count of [tex]\(16,000/mm^3\)[/tex] is higher than normal, indicating possible infection or inflammation.
#### 4. Platelet Count:
- Platelet Count: The normal platelet count ranges from [tex]\(150,000 \text{ to } 450,000 / mm^3\)[/tex]. A count of [tex]\(325,000 / mm^3\)[/tex] falls within the normal range.
### Conclusion:
Of all the findings, the most concerning one would be the pulse rate of 120 beats per minute and a blood pressure of 90/60 mm Hg. This combination suggests that the patient might have tachycardia and hypotension, which are vital signs indicating a possible underlying condition that needs immediate attention.
Thus, the most concerning assessment finding is:
1. Pulse 120 beats/min and BP 90/60 mm Hg.
This indicates that whatever condition the patient is experiencing might be severely affecting their cardiovascular system, and requires prompt medical evaluation and intervention.
