Which laboratory finding in a 4-hour-old newborn should be reported as associated with neonatal sepsis?

In a 4-hour-old newborn, an elevated white blood cell (WBC) count is indicative of a response that could be associated with infection, including neonatal sepsis. Newborns have immature immune systems, and the WBC count is a critical parameter in assessing their health status, particularly in the early hours after birth.

An elevated WBC count could suggest an underlying infection, whereas a low or abnormal WBC count may further support concern for neonatal sepsis, as the infant may be unable to mount an adequate immune response.

While other laboratory findings like blood glucose levels, hematocrit levels, and platelet counts are important in assessing overall health and may reflect various conditions, they are not as specifically indicative of sepsis at this newborn stage as the WBC count. It's the presence and the total number of white blood cells that serve as a primary indicator for potential infection in such a delicate and vulnerable population.