Advanced Patient Assessment Practice Exam

Which of the following terms describes the immature neutrophil?

1. Reticulocyte

2. Band

3. Erythrocyte

4. Monocyte

The correct answer is: Band

The term that describes the immature neutrophil is "band." Band neutrophils, also known as band forms or stab cells, represent a stage in the maturation process of neutrophils, which are a type of white blood cell essential for the immune response. Neutrophils go through several developmental stages, progressing from myeloblasts to promyelocytes, myelocytes, metamyelocytes, and finally into immature forms known as bands before maturing into segmented neutrophils, which are the fully mature, functional type. In clinical practice, the presence of increased band neutrophils, often referred to as a "left shift," can indicate an active infection or inflammation, as the bone marrow releases these immature cells in response to demand. Therefore, understanding the significance of band neutrophils in pathological conditions is crucial for patient assessment. The other terms provided refer to different types of cells: reticulocytes are immature red blood cells, erythrocytes are mature red blood cells, and monocytes are another type of white blood cell involved in the immune response but are distinct from neutrophils. This context helps differentiate the specific roles and stages of these various blood cells in the body’s hematology.