Final answer:
A high WBC count, or leukocytosis, indicates a response to infection, stress, or diseases like leukemia. In chemotherapy, maintaining an adequate WBC count is crucial for the immune system to fight infections. High WBC counts after injuries like burns signal the body's fight against infection.
Step-by-step explanation:
When a physician orders blood work for a patient, a high white blood cell (WBC) count can have several implications. White blood cells are crucial for the body’s immune response, and their count can fluctuate due to various conditions. Generally, an increased WBC count, or leukocytosis, is indicative of an inflammatory response to infection, stress, or other disease processes such as leukemia.
In conditions like cancer chemotherapy, the destruction of leukocytes (white blood cells) can severely impair the immune system, increasing the risk of infection and complicating treatment plans. For example, an absolute neutrophil count (ANC) is a significant indicator of one's capacity to fight off infections. An ANC of 1900 cells per microliter is relatively low but may still be within an acceptable range for certain chemotherapy treatments, depending on individual protocols and the patient's overall health status.
The relationship between a high WBC count and the body’s response to pathogens is often part of a positive feedback mechanism where more white blood cells are recruited to fight an increasing number of pathogens. Therefore, a high WBC count may be expected after incidents such as severe burns, indicating the body’s attempt to combat possible infections.