Final answer:
An elevated white blood cell count is a typical laboratory finding in a client with diverticulitis, which supports the diagnosis of this infection and inflammation of pouches in the large intestine.
Step-by-step explanation:
Laboratory Findings in Diverticulitis
When a client has diverticulitis, a condition where pouches in the large intestine become infected and inflamed, certain laboratory findings are commonly expected. Firstly, a complete blood count (CBC) may reveal an elevated white blood cell count (leukocytosis), indicating an infection or inflammation. Additionally, the patient may have signs of infection or inflammation in urine analysis tests, which could show the presence of white blood cells, red blood cells, or bacteria. While a definitive diagnosis often requires imaging, such as a CT scan, these laboratory results can support the diagnosis of diverticulitis and guide treatment strategies, which typically include antibiotics and possibly bowel rest or surgery for more severe cases.