Normal Blood Value (for women):

Red blood cells 4.2-5.4 million/uL

Hemoglobin 12-16 g/dL

Hematocrit 37-47%

White Blood Cell 5000-10,000

A female client presents at the clinic complaining of fever and chills. She admits she didn't get a flu vaccine and is a teacher who has been around a lot of sick children. Her lab work showed the following results: RBC count of 5 million hemoglobin level of 17 g/dL, a hematocrit value of 49% WBC count of 13,000/mm3 and an abnormal WBC differential. The client's medical history suggest which condition?

A. Infection:

   The elevated WBC count and abnormal differential, along with symptoms of fever and chills, point to an active infection, which is consistent with recent exposure to ill children and no flu vaccine.

B. Thrombocytopenia:

   Thrombocytopenia refers to a low platelet count, which was not provided or implied in the lab data.

C. Leukemia:

   While leukemia can cause elevated WBCs, this client’s clinical picture fits a common infection, and leukemia typically presents with more severe or chronic symptoms and abnormal blood cell morphology.

D. Anemia:

   The client’s hemoglobin and hematocrit are above normal, which rules out anemia.