A nurse is caring for a child who has acute appendicitis. Which of the following results should the nurse anticipate when reviewing this client’s laboratory values?
A.
RBC 4.2 million/mm³
B.
Lymphocytes 3,000/mm3
C.
Neutrophils 3.000/mm³
D.
WBC 17.000/mm3
The correct answer and Explanation is :
In the context of a child with acute appendicitis, the laboratory result you should anticipate is:
D. WBC 17,000/mm³
Explanation:
Acute appendicitis often triggers an inflammatory response in the body, which is typically reflected in laboratory values. The most relevant laboratory test in this case is the white blood cell count (WBC). Here’s a breakdown of why WBC is the key indicator:
- White Blood Cell Count (WBC): In acute appendicitis, an elevated WBC count is a common finding. This elevation is due to the body’s inflammatory response to the infection or irritation of the appendix. Normal WBC counts range from approximately 4,000 to 11,000/mm³. A count of 17,000/mm³, as mentioned in option D, indicates leukocytosis, which is a significant rise above the normal range and is indicative of acute inflammation or infection.
- Red Blood Cell Count (RBC): Option A, with a RBC count of 4.2 million/mm³, is within the normal range for children. RBC counts do not typically change significantly with acute appendicitis.
- Lymphocytes: Option B shows a lymphocyte count of 3,000/mm³. While lymphocytes are part of the immune response, they are usually not the primary indicator for appendicitis. Lymphocytes may be elevated in viral infections but are less likely to be significantly elevated in bacterial infections like appendicitis.
- Neutrophils: Option C indicates a neutrophil count of 3,000/mm³. In acute appendicitis, neutrophils are usually elevated, but the total WBC count is more commonly used to assess the extent of the inflammatory response. The neutrophil count typically rises in response to bacterial infections, but a specific count of 3,000/mm³ might not fully reflect the condition if it’s not accompanied by other elevated markers.
Overall, the elevated WBC count (D) is the most characteristic finding in a case of acute appendicitis, reflecting the body’s inflammatory response to the condition.