Advanced Patient Assessment Practice Exam

What term describes an abnormal increase in the proportion of circulating immature neutrophils?

1. Leukocytosis

2. Neutrophilia

3. Leukopenia

4. Left shift

The correct answer is: Left shift

The term that describes an abnormal increase in the proportion of circulating immature neutrophils is "left shift." This term specifically refers to a hematological phenomenon observed in the context of a neutrophilic response to infection or inflammation. When the body faces a significant demand for neutrophils, such as during an acute infection, the bone marrow releases more immature forms of neutrophils (also known as band cells or stab cells) into the bloodstream. This results in a higher than normal concentration of these immature cells, indicating that the body is quickly responding to a stressor. The term "left shift" originates from historical medical charts that plotted the stages of blood cell maturation. Immature cells were plotted on the left side of such charts, hence the terminology. Other terms mentioned in the choices refer to different hematological conditions. Leukocytosis denotes an overall increase in white blood cell (WBC) count but does not specifically highlight the presence of immature neutrophils. Neutrophilia indicates an increased number of neutrophils, but it does not specify their maturity. Leukopenia refers to a reduction in white blood cell count, which is the opposite of what is being described. Therefore, "left shift" is the most precise term for the