Which condition would require the nurse to monitor a client for occult blood?

Monitoring for occult blood is particularly essential in cases involving low platelet count. Platelets are crucial for blood clotting, and when their levels are low, the risk of bleeding increases significantly. This can lead to bleeding in various parts of the body, including the gastrointestinal tract, which may not be immediately visible. Occult blood refers to blood that is not visible to the naked eye and can only be detected through specific tests, often important for assessing internal bleeding.

In scenarios with acute respiratory distress or low white blood cell count, these conditions do not directly correlate with the need for monitoring occult blood. Acute respiratory distress pertains more to lung function and oxygenation issues, while a low white blood cell count is more indicative of infection risk or hematologic conditions rather than bleeding. High glucose levels are associated with metabolic conditions, primarily diabetes, and do not inherently require monitoring for occult blood.

Therefore, the requirement to monitor for occult blood is most clearly linked to a low platelet count, making this the correct answer.