White Blood Cell Count: In a Nutshell (Nursing)

00:01 Let's wrap this up. Remember, there are 5 types of white blood cells: neutrophils, lymphocytes, monocytes, eosinophils, and basophils.

00:12 Remember, the normal range for a total white blood cell count changes over the lifespan and in pregnancy, particularly, that 3rd trimester.

00:22 White blood cells are critical responders when the body is under attack.

00:27 So leukopenia, low white cells, puts the patient at risk for not being able to fight off infections.

00:33 So be very careful with these patients. Protect them from the normal infections or from visitors that might be infected.

00:40 Now, leukocytosis is an increase in white blood cells above 10,000.

00:45 Remember, that's the top limit for adults.

00:48 And not all 5 types of white blood cells will be elevated at the same time.

00:53 If they are, think about whether your patient is dehydrated or hemoconcentrated.

00:58 Now the cell type that is increased names the condition.

01:01 Remember, neutrophilic leukocytosis equals neutrophilia.

01:06 So neutrophilic leukocytosis tells me that it's elevated.

01:10 But remember, -philia, that suffix, means extra or love from the Greek word.

01:16 So, neutrophilic leukocytosis is neutrophilia.

01:21 Now there's different possible clinical causes for the elevation or decrease in each of the 5 different white blood cells.

01:28 Remember, the lab results are only as valuable as the healthcare team members who look at the results and compare them to the patient's history; their medications, their symptoms, and your own hands-on physical assessment.

01:42 Thank you for watching our video today.