How should a nurse interpret a white blood cell (WBC) count of 17,000/mm3 after uncomplicated labor and birth?

A white blood cell (WBC) count of 17,000/mm3 after uncomplicated labor and birth can be interpreted as an expected response to the physiological changes that occur during and after delivery. During labor and childbirth, women often experience an increase in WBCs due to the stress of labor, tissue trauma, and the inflammatory process associated with delivery. This response is part of the normal healing process and typically resolves as the body recovers from the physical effects of labor.

In normal circumstances, a WBC count can rise significantly—sometimes reaching levels around 20,000/mm3 or higher—without indicating an infection. It's important for healthcare providers to understand this benign elevation in WBCs so they can appropriately evaluate patients post-labor, considering the context of their clinical status rather than solely relying on lab values.

Given this context, the other responses may suggest conditions that are not directly applicable in the scenario described. Potential infection, dehydration, or a need for further assessment would typically require additional clinical signs or symptoms to support those conclusions. Thus, understanding the physiological response of the body during labor and the expected elevation in WBC is crucial in interpreting lab results in this context.