A client is admitted with pancreatitis on the previous shift. The nurse evaluates the laboratory results. Which result requires immediate intervention by the nurse? A. Potassium \(4.0 \mathrm{mEq} / \mathrm{L}\) B. Sodium \(120 \mathrm{mEq} / \mathrm{L}\) C. Serum amylase 300 units/dL D. White blood cell 12,000 cells \(/ \mathrm{mm}\)

Pancreatitis is the inflammation of the pancreas, an organ that produces digestive enzymes and hormones. It can be acute or chronic and can result in severe complications if not managed on time.

Now, let's identify the normal values for each of the laboratory results mentioned in the options: A. Potassium: The normal range is \(3.5 - 5.0 \mathrm{mEq} / \mathrm{L}\). B. Sodium: The normal range is \(135 - 145 \mathrm{mEq} / \mathrm{L}\). C. Serum amylase: The normal range is 30-110 units/L. D. White blood cell count (WBC): The normal range is \(4,000 - 11,000 \ \mathrm{cells} / \mathrm{mm^3}\).

Let's now compare the given lab values to their respective normal ranges: A. Potassium: Given value is \(4.0 \mathrm{mEq} / \mathrm{L}\), which falls within the normal range. B. Sodium: Given value is \(120 \mathrm{mEq} / \mathrm{L}\), which is below the normal range. C. Serum amylase: Given value is 300 units/dL, which is above the normal range. D. White blood cell count: Given value is 12,000 cells \(/ \mathrm{mm^3}\), which is slightly above the normal range.

Now that we have identified which lab values are abnormal, we need to determine which one requires immediate intervention: A. Potassium: The value is within the normal range and does not require intervention. B. Sodium: The value of \(120 \mathrm{mEq} / \mathrm{L}\) is significantly below the normal range. Low sodium levels, or hyponatremia, can lead to serious complications and must be addressed promptly. C. Serum amylase: The increased value indicates pancreatitis, but it is not an immediate emergency. D. White blood cell count: The value is slightly above the normal range, which might indicate an infection, but it is not an immediate emergency. Based on the comparison of lab results, option B, Sodium \(120 \mathrm{mEq} / \mathrm{L}\), requires immediate intervention by the nurse.