Which of the following condition may see with infectious condition in the body?

NORCET 3 - 2022 (Shift-1)

Medical & Surgical Nursing

Easy

Appeared in: NORCET 3 - 2022 (Shift-1)

Explanation

The correct option indicates a White Blood Cell (WBC) count of 16,000/mm³.
The normal range for an adult's WBC count is typically between 5,000 and 10,000/mm³.
A value of 16,000/mm³ is significantly elevated, a condition known as leukocytosis.
Leukocytosis is a classic sign of the body's immune system responding to an infection, particularly a bacterial one.

Option A: An AST (SGOT) level of 14 IU/L is within the normal range of approximately 8-40 IU/L. AST is an enzyme primarily related to liver and muscle health, not a direct marker for infection.
Option C: A WBC count of 4,000/mm³ is at the lower limit of the normal range (or slightly below, termed leukopenia). While some severe or viral infections can cause a drop in WBCs, a high count is the more common and expected sign of an acute infection.
Option D: A bilirubin level of 2 mg/dL is elevated (hyperbilirubinemia), as the normal range is typically below 1.2 mg/dL. This points towards liver dysfunction, biliary obstruction, or hemolysis, not a primary sign of a general infection.

Visual 1: Chart - A chart comparing normal vs. abnormal lab values (WBC, AST, Bilirubin) and what each abnormality indicates. This helps in quick reference and differentiation.
Visual 2: Infographic - An infographic illustrating the immune response, showing how the body produces more white blood cells to fight pathogens during an infection.

Clinical Relevance

Nursing practice connection: This is primarily an exam-oriented knowledge point with limited direct bedside application, so retain Interpretation of common laboratory values to identify signs of infection as background academic context rather than a clinical decision trigger.
In a clinical setting, an elevated WBC count is a critical finding that prompts nurses to assess for other signs of infection, such as fever, localized redness/swelling, or changes in vital signs.
This lab value is a key component of the Systemic Inflammatory Response Syndrome (SIRS) criteria, where a WBC count greater than 12,000/mm³ or less than 4,000/mm³ can indicate a severe systemic response to an insult like infection.
Nurses are responsible for reporting critical lab values like a high WBC count to the healthcare provider promptly, as it may necessitate starting or changing antibiotic therapy.

How to Approach the Question

First, identify the core of the question: it's asking for a lab result that signals an 'infectious condition'.
Recall the normal ranges for the laboratory tests mentioned: WBC, AST, and Bilirubin.
Compare each option's value to its normal range. WBC 16,000/mm³ is high, AST 14 IU/l is normal, WBC 4,000/mm³ is low-normal, and Bilirubin 2 mg/dl is high.
Correlate the abnormal findings with their typical clinical significance. High WBC (leukocytosis) is a classic sign of infection.
High bilirubin points to liver/biliary issues, and a normal AST is not indicative of pathology.
Conclude that the elevated WBC count is the most direct and common indicator of infection among the choices.

Concept Tested & Keywords

Concept Tested: Interpretation of common laboratory values to identify signs of infection.
Stem keywords: infectious condition, lab values, WBC, AST, Bilirubin
Lead-in keywords: Which of the following
Negative lead-in flag: false

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