Which diagnostic finding is most indicative of bowel strangulation or perforation? A) Normal serum electrolyte values B) Decreased hematocrit values C) Elevated white blood cell co... Which diagnostic finding is most indicative of bowel strangulation or perforation? A) Normal serum electrolyte values B) Decreased hematocrit values C) Elevated white blood cell count D) Low white blood cell count
Understand the Problem
The question is asking which diagnostic finding is most indicative of severe conditions such as bowel strangulation or perforation. It presents multiple choice options related to serum electrolyte values, hematocrit values, and white blood cell counts, with the goal of identifying the correct indicator.
Answer
Elevated white blood cell count.
The final answer is elevated white blood cell count.
Answer for screen readers
The final answer is elevated white blood cell count.
More Information
In cases of bowel strangulation or perforation, the white blood cell count may be elevated due to inflammatory responses or bacterial translocation into the bloodstream.
Tips
A common mistake is not considering the inflammatory response or overlooking the significance of elevated white blood cell count in infectious or inflammatory conditions.
Sources
- Small-Bowel Obstruction Workup - Medscape Reference - emedicine.medscape.com
- Intestinal Obstruction: Evaluation and Management - AAFP - aafp.org
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