Final answer:
The specific WBC count for diagnosing a febrile seizure is not applicable. Febrile seizures are related to fever in children and are not diagnosed using WBC count. In cases of suspected bacterial meningitis, however, an elevated WBC count in the CSF is expected, with accompanying abnormal CSF glucose and protein levels.
Step-by-step explanation:
When diagnosing a febrile seizure, there is no specific white blood cell (WBC) count that should be expected, as febrile seizures are seizures often triggered by fever in young children and do not typically indicate an underlying infection that would be diagnosed using WBC count. However, in the context of the given clinical scenario, we are examining a case with symptoms that suggest a systemic infection potentially leading to bacterial meningitis. For an accurate diagnosis of bacterial meningitis, analysis of cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) obtained through a lumbar puncture is essential.
Abnormal levels of polymorphonuclear neutrophils (PMNs) greater than 10 PMNs/mm³, glucose levels less than 45 mg/dL, and protein levels greater than 45 mg/dL in the CSF are suggestive of bacterial meningitis. The WBC count in the CSF for a patient with bacterial meningitis would be significantly higher than the normal range of 5-20/mm³. It is important to note that the WBC count in CSF is different from the WBC count in blood.
In the case study provided, Olivia's WBC count is 28.5 K/µL in her bloodstream, which is elevated above the normal range and suggests an infection. Her CSF analysis indicated a WBC count of 1,163/mm³, glucose level at 30 mg/100 mL, and a high percentage of PMNs, all of which are consistent with bacterial meningitis.