A 28-year-old woman is treated with high-dose prednisone for severe lupus nephritis. Several hours after therapy is initiated, she becomes very agitated and delusional. Blood pressure is 130/70 mm Hg and heart rate is 110/min. A basic metabolic profile, complete blood cell (CBC) count, and urinalysis are obtained. The CBC differential is expected to show an increase in which of the following as a result of this patient's therapy?

Question

A 28-year-old woman is treated with high-dose prednisone for severe lupus nephritis.  Several hours after therapy is initiated, she becomes very agitated and delusional.  Blood pressure is 130/70 mm Hg and heart rate is 110/min.  A basic metabolic profile, complete blood cell (CBC) count, and urinalysis are obtained.  The CBC differential is expected to show an increase in which of the following as a result of this patient's therapy?

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Eductional Objective: The acute effects of corticosteroids on the white blood cell count include an increased neutrophil count and decreased lymphocyte, monocyte, basophil, and eosinophil counts.  The increase in the neutrophil count results from "demargination" of neutrophils previously attached to the vessel wall.

A 28-Year-Old Woman Is Treated with High-Dose Prednisone for Severe