Gastrointestinal System Nursing Exam Questions Related

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The nurse is caring for a client admitted to the hospital with a suspected diagnosis of acute appendicitis. Which of the following laboratory results would the nurse expect to note if the client indeed has appendicitis?

  • A. Leukopenia with a shift to the right
  • B. Leukocytosis with a shift to the right
  • C. Leukocytosis with a shift to the left
  • D. Leukopenia with a shift to the left
Correct Answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C: Leukocytosis with a shift to the left. In acute appendicitis, the body responds with an increase in white blood cells (leukocytosis) as a sign of infection. A shift to the left indicates an increase in immature neutrophils, which is a common response to acute bacterial infections like appendicitis. Leukopenia (choices A and D) would not be expected in appendicitis. Leukopenia is a decrease in white blood cells, which is not typical in an acute infection like appendicitis. Leukocytosis with a shift to the right (choice B) could be seen in chronic infections or conditions like leukemia, not in acute appendicitis where a shift to the left is more common due to the rapid response to infection.