Final answer:
The normal range of WBCs in CSF is 5-20 cells/mm³, while normally there are no RBCs present. Elevated WBCs, such as observed in the given clinical scenario, indicate a potential infection like bacterial meningitis, which is treated with antibiotics.
Step-by-step explanation:
The normal amount of WBCs in the CSF is between 5-20 cells/mm³. The presence of WBCs in the CSF at levels exceeding this range could indicate an infection or other abnormal process.
As for RBCs, normally, there should be no red blood cells in a CSF sample; the presence of RBCs might suggest a traumatic tap or bleeding within the central nervous system.
Considering the provided clinical focus, the elevated WBC count in Olivia's CSF is significantly higher than the normal range, which is indicative of an inflammatory condition like bacterial meningitis.
The CSF of patients with bacterial meningitis often has abnormal levels of polymorphonuclear neutrophils (PMNs), decreased glucose, and increased protein content, aligning with Olivia's symptoms and lab results.
Antibiotics are used in the treatment of bacterial infections. Therefore, in the context of Cora's lumbar puncture, the antibiotic treatment would be effective against bacteria that might be causing an infection, but it would not affect viral, fungal, or other non-bacterial microorganisms.
Notably, bacterial meningitis is treated with antibiotics, and a prompt initiation of such therapy is critical for a favorable outcome.