Which lab finding should be further investigated before a scheduled cesarean delivery?

A white blood cell count of 35,000 mm³ is an elevated level that suggests potential infection, inflammation, or other underlying pathology. In the context of a scheduled cesarean delivery, high white blood cell counts could indicate the presence of infection, such as chorioamnionitis, which poses significant risks to both the mother and the fetus during surgery. Investigating elevated white blood cell counts is essential to ensure the safety of the surgical procedure and to address any underlying health issues.

In contrast, the other lab findings, while important for overall evaluation, do not typically necessitate further immediate investigation before a cesarean delivery within the same urgency. A hemoglobin level of 10 g/dL may indicate mild anemia but may not pose an acute risk, especially if the patient is asymptomatic. A fasting glucose of 90 mg/dL falls within a normal range and does not need additional investigation prior to surgery. A platelet count of 150,000 mm³ is within the acceptable range for most surgical procedures, with levels below 100,000 mm³ raising concern for bleeding complications, but 150,000 mm³ does not warrant further investigation before a scheduled delivery.