A normal person has a CD4 T cell count of?

Appeared in: DSSSB - 29 August 2019 (Shift-2)

Explanation

The normal CD4 T-cell count in a healthy adult ranges from approximately 500 to 1,500 cells/mm³.
CD4 cells, also known as T-helper cells, are critical for coordinating the body's immune response against infections.
The option 450-1200 cells/ml is the only choice that falls within or closely approximates this healthy physiological range.
A count within this range indicates a robust immune system capable of fighting off pathogens effectively.

Option A: A CD4 count of 100-150 cells/mm³ is critically low and indicates severe immunosuppression.
Option B: A CD4 count of 150-175 cells/mm³ signifies severe immunodeficiency, falling below the 200 cells/mm³ threshold for an AIDS diagnosis in an HIV-positive individual.
Option D: A CD4 count of 50-100 cells/mm³ represents profound immunodeficiency.

Clinical Relevance

Nursing practice connection: This is primarily an exam-oriented knowledge point with limited direct bedside application, so retain Normal CD4 T-lymphocyte count as background academic context rather than a clinical decision trigger.
Nurses play a key role in monitoring lab results like the CD4 count to assess a patient's immune status and risk for infection.
Understanding CD4 thresholds is vital for initiating timely prophylactic treatments for opportunistic infections in immunocompromised patients, particularly those with HIV.
Patient education is a critical nursing function. Nurses must explain the significance of the CD4 count and the importance of adherence to antiretroviral therapy (ART) to maintain a healthy count and prevent disease progression.

How to Approach the Question

First, identify the core of the question, which asks for the 'normal' value of a specific lab test (CD4 T cell count).
This is a factual recall question. Access your knowledge of basic human physiology and immunology.
Recall the standard range for a healthy adult's CD4 count, which is approximately 500-1500 cells/mm³.
Evaluate each option against this known normal range.
Eliminate the options that are clearly too low and represent a state of disease or immunodeficiency (i.e., any value below 500, and especially below 200).
Select the option that best aligns with the established normal range. In this case, 450-1200 cells/ml is the only plausible choice.

Concept Tested & Keywords

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E6 Medicine Davidson Principles Practice 24e p. 331-333

E6 Parks TextBook of Preventive & Social Medicine part 1 — Subpart C (pp 404-604 of 604) p. 15-17

E6 Medicine Harrison 22e Part 1 p. 1631-1633

Practise the full DSSSB - 29 August 2019 (Shift-2)

Attempt every question from this paper in a timed mock, then review the full solution for each one.