PN Adult Medical Surgical Practice Exam

What is a common postoperative complication indicated by a WBC count of 15,000/mm3?

1. Infection.

2. Dehydration.

3. Hemorrhage.

4. Hypotension.

The correct answer is: Infection.

A white blood cell (WBC) count of 15,000/mm3 typically suggests the presence of inflammation or an immune response to a stressor, which in the context of postoperative care, often indicates infection. The body reacts to surgical procedures, especially those that are invasive, by raising the WBC count as part of the healing process and to defend against potential pathogens. Infections are a common complication following surgery due to factors such as open wounds, reduced immunity due to anesthesia, and possible exposure to bacteria during the procedure. A count above the normal range (generally around 4,000 to 11,000/mm3) can indicate that the body is fighting an infection, which is important to monitor and address swiftly to prevent further complications. While dehydration, hemorrhage, and hypotension can also occur postoperatively, they are not directly indicated by an elevated WBC count in the same way. Dehydration might lead to different lab results, hemorrhage would typically be associated with symptoms like hypotension or changes in hemoglobin, and hypotension itself is a clinical state that may need intervention but wouldn't be reflected specifically in the WBC count. Hence, the elevation suggests an infectious process, making infection the most appropriate interpretation of