What laboratory finding indicates that a client undergoing chemotherapy for ovarian cancer may be experiencing an adverse effect?

A white blood cell count of 2500 cells/mm³ indicates leukopenia, a condition where there is a decrease in the number of white blood cells. This is a common adverse effect of chemotherapy, as many chemotherapeutic agents target rapidly dividing cells, which includes not only cancer cells but also normal cells in the bone marrow where blood cells are produced. A reduced white blood cell count can compromise the immune system, increasing the client’s susceptibility to infections.

It's important to monitor blood counts closely during chemotherapy treatment. A count falling below the normal range can signal the need for interventions like treatment delays, dose adjustments, or supportive care measures, such as growth factor administration or prophylactic antibiotics, to protect against infections. This monitoring ensures the client’s safety and can help manage side effects associated with treatment.