Final answer:
A CSF sample of a patient with a subarachnoid hemorrhage may show macrophages containing hemosiderin, an elevated white blood cell count, blood not distributed evenly in the tubes, and elevated glucose levels in the CSF.
Step-by-step explanation:
A CSF sample of a patient with a subarachnoid hemorrhage may show several characteristic features. One of these features is the presence of macrophages containing hemosiderin. Hemosiderin is a pigment derived from the breakdown of red blood cells, and its presence in macrophages indicates bleeding in the subarachnoid space. Another feature that may be seen is an elevated white blood cell count. This is because a subarachnoid hemorrhage can trigger an inflammatory response, leading to an influx of white blood cells into the CSF. Additionally, the blood in the CSF sample may not have an even distribution. It can appear as a layer or clumps of blood within the tubes. Furthermore, the glucose levels in the CSF may be elevated. This is because the breakdown of red blood cells can release glucose into the CSF.