Final answer:
When comparing CBC lab results in patients with infection, asthma, viral meningitis, and those receiving chemotherapy, there are several differences and similarities to consider. Infection may lead to increased white blood cell count, while asthma patients on steroid therapy may have decreased eosinophil counts. Viral meningitis may show a normal or slightly elevated white blood cell count with lymphocytosis. Chemotherapy can cause a decrease in white blood cells, red blood cells, and platelets.
Step-by-step explanation:
When comparing and contrasting CBC lab results in patients with infection, asthma as it relates to steroid therapy, viral meningitis, and those receiving chemotherapy, there are several differences and similarities to consider.
In patients with infection, the CBC lab results may show an increased white blood cell count, specifically an increase in neutrophils. This is because neutrophils are the first responders during an infection. Additionally, there may be an increase in the levels of acute phase reactants, such as C-reactive protein (CRP) and erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR).
On the other hand, patients with asthma who are receiving steroid therapy may have decreased eosinophil counts. Eosinophils are usually elevated in patients with asthma, but steroid therapy helps to decrease the inflammatory response and subsequently reduces eosinophil levels.
In viral meningitis, the CBC lab results may show a normal or slightly elevated white blood cell count. However, there may be a lymphocytosis, which is an increase in the number of lymphocytes. Lymphocytosis is often seen in viral infections.
In patients receiving chemotherapy, the CBC lab results may show a decreased white blood cell count, specifically a decrease in neutrophils. Chemotherapy can cause bone marrow suppression, leading to a decreased production of white blood cells. This decrease in neutrophils can increase the risk of infection. Additionally, chemotherapy can also cause anemia and thrombocytopenia, which is a decrease in red blood cells and platelets respectively.