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Correct Answer: 15,400 cmm
white blood cells (wbcs), also known as leukocytes, are a crucial component of the immune system. they help the body fight infections and other diseases. the normal range of wbc count in a healthy adult is typically between 4,300 and 10,800 cells per cubic millimeter (cmm) of blood. when the wbc count exceeds this range, it often indicates an immune response to a variety of possible conditions, including infections.
in the context of the question provided, the count of 15,400 cmm significantly exceeds the upper limit of the normal wbc range. this elevated count is a strong indicator that the patient's body is responding to an infection. the body produces more wbcs to help fight off the invading pathogens, such as bacteria, viruses, or fungi.
it is important to note that while an elevated wbc count suggests an infection, it is not specific to the type of infection. different types of wbcs (such as neutrophils, lymphocytes, monocytes, eosinophils, and basophils) may increase in response to different types of infections. for example, a rise in neutrophils typically indicates a bacterial infection, while an increase in lymphocytes is often seen in viral infections.
additionally, other conditions besides infections can also cause elevated wbc counts, including stress, inflammation, trauma, and certain diseases like leukemia. therefore, while a high wbc count can be a useful indicator of infection, it should be interpreted in conjunction with other clinical findings and diagnostic tests by healthcare professionals to accurately determine the underlying cause and appropriate treatment.
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