The nurse is caring for a client diagnosed with bacterial meningitis.Which laboratory result indicates to the nurse that the client has a left shift in the differential?
A)The banded neutrophil count is higher than normal.
B)The eosinophil count is higher than normal.
C)The lymphocyte count is higher than normal.
D)The monocyte count is higher than normal.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

A left shift in the differential, indicative of bacterial infection such as meningitis, occurs when there is an increase in immature white blood cells, particularly banded neutrophils, in the bloodstream. This is a response to fight off the infection.

The Nurse Is Caring for a Client Diagnosed with Bacterial