Results of recent laboratory testing indicate that a patient may be at risk for easily bruising and bleeding. This finding is most consistent with a/an:

A patient who is at risk for easily bruising and bleeding typically has a decreased platelet count. Platelets play a crucial role in the clotting process, and a lower number of platelets means that the body is less capable of forming clots to stop bleeding. This condition, known as thrombocytopenia, often leads to an increased tendency to bruise because the normal protective mechanism against bleeding is impaired.

Laboratory testing that shows a decreased platelet count could result from various causes, including bone marrow disorders, certain medications, or other underlying health conditions. This physiological mechanism directly links the decreased platelet count to the clinical manifestations of increased bruising and bleeding, making it the most appropriate choice in the context of this question.

In contrast, increased hematocrit is often associated with dehydration or conditions like polycythemia, which do not typically result in increased bleeding risk. Decreased hemoglobin usually relates to anemia and may not directly influence bleeding propensity. An increased white blood cell count may indicate infection or other inflammatory processes but does not inherently affect clotting ability. Therefore, the correct association is the decreased platelet count, which is directly responsible for the bleeding and bruising observable in the patient.