Final answer:
A burn patient with a low white blood cell count has an increased risk of infection due to weakened immune defenses and compromised skin barrier.
Step-by-step explanation:
A burn patient with a low white blood cell count has an increased risk of infection. White blood cells are critical components of the immune system, responsible for fighting off pathogens like bacteria and viruses. A decrease in white blood cell count compromises the body's natural defenses, making it more susceptible to infections. After a burn injury, the integrity of the skin is compromised, eliminating an essential barrier to infection. This, combined with a reduced white blood cell count, significantly elevates the risk of infection for the burn patient. Therefore, it is crucial for healthcare providers to monitor and manage the patient's white blood cell count to mitigate this risk.