Final answer:
Elevated WBC counts are present in approximately 90% of patients with acute appendicitis.
Step-by-step explanation:
Elevated WBC counts are present in approximately 90% of patients with acute appendicitis.
White blood cells (WBCs) are part of the immune system and their levels can increase in response to infection or inflammation. In the case of acute appendicitis, the appendix becomes inflamed, leading to an immune response that includes an increase in WBC count.
For example, in the given clinical scenario, Olivia's complete blood count shows an elevated WBC count. This is consistent with the diagnosis of acute appendicitis.