RRB Nsg. Superintende…: Which among the following do the phagocytic action?& x20;

RRB Nsg. Superintendent-21 July 2019 (Shift-2nd)

Applied Physiology

Easy

Appeared in: RRB Nsg. Superintendent-21 July 2019 (Shift-2nd)

Explanation

Neutrophils are the most abundant type of granulocytes and are the primary phagocytic cells in the blood.
They are considered the first line of defense in the body's innate immune system, migrating quickly to sites of infection or injury.
Their main function is to engulf and destroy microorganisms, particularly bacteria, through a process called phagocytosis.
Dead neutrophils, along with bacteria and tissue debris, are a major component of pus.

Option B: Eosinophils are only weakly phagocytic. Their primary role is to defend against larger parasites like helminths (worms) and to participate in allergic reactions.
Option C: The term 'Polymorphs' (or polymorphonuclear leukocytes) is a general category that includes neutrophils, eosinophils, and basophils. It is not a specific cell type.
Option D: Basophils are not phagocytic cells. Their primary function is to release potent chemical mediators, such as histamine and heparin, which are involved in inflammatory and allergic reactions.

Visual 1: Diagram - A flowchart illustrating the process of phagocytosis, showing a neutrophil engulfing and digesting a bacterium.
Visual 2: Micrograph - A stained blood smear image comparing the appearance of a neutrophil, eosinophil, and basophil, highlighting their distinct nuclear shapes and granular staining.

Clinical Relevance

Nursing practice connection: This is primarily an exam-oriented knowledge point with limited direct bedside application, so retain Functions of White Blood Cells (Leukocytes) as background academic context rather than a clinical decision trigger.
Nurses frequently review the Complete Blood Count (CBC) with differential. A high neutrophil count (neutrophilia) is a critical indicator of an acute bacterial infection, guiding antibiotic therapy.
Conversely, a low neutrophil count (neutropenia), often seen in chemotherapy patients, drastically increases infection risk. This requires implementing neutropenic precautions to protect the patient.
What if? If a patient's lab results showed a normal neutrophil count but a significantly elevated eosinophil count (eosinophilia), the nurse's assessment should shift from suspecting a bacterial infection to considering an allergic reaction or a parasitic infection as the underlying cause.

How to Approach the Question

This is a factual recall question testing knowledge of hematology.
First, identify the key process in the question: 'phagocytic action'. This means the engulfing and destruction of foreign particles.
Next, review the function of each cell type listed in the options.
Evaluate Option A (Neutrophils): Recall that these are the primary phagocytes of the immune system.
Evaluate Option B (Eosinophils) and D (Basophils): Recall their main roles are in parasitic/allergic reactions and allergic responses, respectively, not primary phagocytosis.
Evaluate Option C (Polymorphs): Recognize this as a broader category that includes neutrophils. When a specific, correct option ('Neutrophils') and a general category that contains it ('Polymorphs') are both choices, the more specific option is the better answer.

Concept Tested & Keywords

Concept Tested: Functions of White Blood Cells (Leukocytes)
Stem keywords: phagocytic action, Neutrophils, Eosinophils, Polymorphs, Basophils
Lead-in keywords: Which among the following

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