Which of the following lab values is considered low and may require further investigation in an elderly client?

A hemoglobin level of 10.5 g/dL in an elderly client is considered low and may require further investigation. Normal hemoglobin levels can vary based on age and sex, but in general, values below 12 g/dL in females and 13.5 g/dL in males often indicate anemia. Anemia in elderly patients is a concern as it can lead to increased morbidity and may signify underlying health issues such as nutritional deficiencies, chronic disease, or blood loss.

Identifying and addressing low hemoglobin levels is crucial because they can significantly affect the patient’s overall health, function, and quality of life. It is important for healthcare providers to further investigate the causes of anemia in elderly patients to ensure timely intervention and management.

Other lab values such as a white blood cell count of 9,000/mm³, a platelet count of 350,000/mm³, and a hematocrit of 42% fall within normal ranges for elderly patients and typically do not warrant further investigation.