American Association of Critical-Care Nurses (AACN) Certification Practice Test

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What is the normal range for white blood cells (WBCs) in a patient?

3.0-7.0 x 10^3/uL
4.5-11 x 10^3/uL
5.0-15.0 x 10^3/uL
10-20 x 10^3/uL

The correct answer is: 4.5-11 x 10^3/uL

The normal range for white blood cell (WBC) counts in adults typically falls between 4.5 and 11 x 10^3 cells per microliter (uL). This range is critical for evaluating a patient's immune system function, as WBCs play an essential role in fighting infections and responding to inflammation. WBC counts outside this range can indicate various clinical conditions; for instance, a count below 4.5 x 10^3/uL may suggest leukopenia, which can happen due to bone marrow disorders, certain viral infections, or the effects of medications, while a count above 11 x 10^3/uL can suggest leukocytosis, commonly seen in response to infections, stress, or inflammation. Understanding this range is fundamental in clinical settings, as it provides insight into the patient's health status and can prompt further investigation or intervention when WBC counts deviate from normal parameters.