A student nurse is caring for a patient with bacterial meningitis. Which of the following laboratory results may be expected and would indicate a left shift in the differential?

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

A left shift in the differential refers to an increase in the number of immature neutrophils (banded neutrophils) in the blood. This occurs in response to a bacterial infection, as the bone marrow releases these immature cells to help fight the infection. An increase in eosinophils (B), lymphocytes (C), or monocytes (D) would not be expected in bacterial meningitis.

A Student Nurse Is Caring for a Patient with Bacterial