Question

You are awaiting the white blood cell differential results for a patient who presented with a ruptured appendix and peritonitis. Which type of leukocyte do you expect to be most elevated over its normal value?

Answer 1

Answer:

Neutrophils

Explanation:

In this case of a ruptured appendix and peritontis, the neutrophils are more likely to be elevated above normal value because:

1. They are the most abundant white blood cells (WBCs), about 60%-70% of the total white blood cell count.

2. they help to defend the body against fungal and bacterial infections and heal tissues that are damaged. The most likely infection to occur from a ruptured appendix is a bacterial infection.

Other WBCs like eosinophil is involved in parasitic infection; basophil is involved in allergic reaction; while monocyte is involved in phagocytosis.