A patient reports severe abdominal cramping and diarrhea. Assessment reveals a temperature of 102°F (38.8°C) and pulse of 82 beats/min. Results of a complete blood count reveal lower than normal segmented and banded neutrophils and higher than normal lymphocytes. Which type of infection is this patient most likely experiencing?

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The patient's symptoms and lab results suggest a viral infection. The presence of lower than normal neutrophils and higher than normal lymphocytes is characteristic of a viral infection. Additionally, fever and gastrointestinal symptoms are common with viral infections. Bacterial infections typically present with higher than normal neutrophils, while parasitic and fungal infections may have a range of different lab results depending on the specific pathogen.

A Patient Reports Severe Abdominal Cramping and Diarrhea