Which finding during prenatal care is most critical for the nurse to report to the healthcare provider?

The most critical finding for the nurse to report to the healthcare provider is the hemoglobin level of 9 g/dL in a 24-week gestation client. This level indicates anemia, which can pose significant risks to both the mother and the developing fetus. In pregnancy, maintaining adequate hemoglobin levels is important for ensuring that enough oxygen is being carried in the blood to support the increased metabolic needs of the mother and the growing fetus. Anemia can lead to complications such as fatigue, increased risk for preterm delivery, and low birth weight. Therefore, it requires prompt evaluation and intervention.

While the other findings may warrant attention, they do not present the same level of immediate risk. The glucose screen of 120 mg/dL, for instance, is slightly elevated but is typically managed through further testing to rule out gestational diabetes, which is not considered an immediate critical concern. A vaginal secretion pH of 5 in a 27-week gestation client is within normal limits for pregnancy and would not typically be reported urgently. A white blood cell count of 13,000/mm3 in a 36-week gestation client may suggest a mild increase due to the physiological changes during pregnancy, and while it may indicate an infection or other condition,