Which lab result might indicate complications in a client with colon cancer undergoing treatment?

• A. Elevated hemoglobin
• B. Increased bilirubin
• C. Decreased sodium
• D. Normal white blood cell count

Answer: (B)

An increased bilirubin level can indicate complications in a client with colon cancer undergoing treatment, particularly if there's liver involvement or biliary obstruction. When colon cancer metastasizes, it often involves the liver, which can impair the liver's ability to process and excrete bilirubin. Elevated bilirubin can also be a sign of hemolysis or cholestasis, which are conditions that could arise due to the cancer or as a complication of treatment, such as chemotherapy affecting liver function.

In contrast, elevated hemoglobin is generally a sign of improved nutrition or bone marrow function, which are not typically related to complications. A decreased sodium level may indicate complications like fluid overload or adrenal insufficiency, but it is not specific to colon cancer and its treatment. A normal white blood cell count often suggests that there is no active infection or significant bone marrow suppression, which would be common concerns in cancer treatment. Thus, the elevation in bilirubin stands out as a more direct marker of potential complications related to colon cancer and its treatments.