Back to Basics: The Complete Blood Count

In this latest article in the AJN series Back to Basics-developed to improve nurses'understanding and application of common laboratory diagnostic tests-the author delineates the meaning and function of complete blood count components, highlighting the important pathophysiological evidence they provide and using composite patient scenarios to assist nurses in recognizing findings that can inform their plan of care and produce the best patient outcomes.

Automated summary

This article discusses the meaning and function of complete blood count components and emphasizes the important pathophysiological evidence they provide. It also highlights the use of composite patient scenarios to assist nurses in recognizing key findings that can inform their plan of care and improve patient outcomes.