Question

A patient arrives in the emergency department reporting fever for 24 hours and lower right quadrant abdominal pain. After laboratory studies are performed, what does the nurse determine indicates the patient has a bacterial infection?

Increased platelet count
Decreased blood urea nitrogen
Increased number of band neutrophils
Increased number of segmented myelocytes

Answer 1

An increased number of band neutrophils would indicate that the patient has a bacterial infection, as this signifies the body is fighting off an infection. Other test results mentioned are not specifically indicative of a bacterial infection.

Step-by-step explanation:

In the case of the patient reporting fever and lower right quadrant abdominal pain, the laboratory indicator that would suggest a bacterial infection is an increased number of band neutrophils. Band neutrophils are immature white blood cells, and an increase in these cells (a condition known as bandemia) usually indicates that the body is fighting a bacterial infection. This can often be seen in the early stages of an infection. The other blood test results, such as increased platelet count, decreased blood urea nitrogen, or increased number of segmented myelocytes, do not specifically indicate a bacterial infection.

Observing the other symptoms that the patient might possess such as a fever or infection after a surgery (nosocomial infection), a possible urinary tract infection (UTI) due to introduction of bacteria into the urinary tract, or signs of necrotizing fasciitis based on symptoms and rapid progression, could further indicate a possible bacterial infection and the body's response to it. These clinical observations could guide an accurate diagnosis and effective treatment.