Final answer:
The normal range of WBCs in a urine sample is 0 to 5 per hpf, with up to d. 2 to 3 WBCs per hpf considered normal. Options exceeding this range might indicate an infection or other medical issue.
Step-by-step explanation:
The number of white blood cells (WBCs) that can be present in a normal urine sample is typically 0 to 5 per high power field (hpf). However, from a clinical perspective, up to d. 2 to 3 WBCs per hpf can be considered normal. When analyzing a urine sample, if the count is higher than what is considered normal, it may suggest the presence of an infection or another underlying medical condition.
It is important to note that white blood cells are part of the body's immune system, and their presence in urine could indicate the body's response to an infection.
To answer the student's question directly, option d. 2 to 3 per hpf is the closest match to what is generally accepted as the upper limit of the normal range for white blood cells in a typical urine sample. Anything above that may prompt further investigation for potential health issues.
Critical thinking questions often explore the implications of these findings, for example, the presence of WBCs in urine might suggest a urinary tract infection (UTI) or another inflammation in the urinary system.