Prescribing Safety Assessment (PSA) Practice Exam

Which of these causes is related to an increase in neutrophil count?

1. Mild dehydration

2. Tissue damage

3. Sleep deprivation

4. Vegetarian diet

The correct answer is: Tissue damage

An increase in neutrophil count, also known as neutrophilia, is commonly associated with tissue damage. When tissues are injured, whether due to trauma, infection, or inflammation, the body responds by mobilizing immune cells, including neutrophils, to the site of injury. This is a part of the inflammatory response that helps the body fight off infections and heal damaged tissues. In cases of tissue damage, the release of various cytokines and chemokines stimulates the bone marrow to produce and release more neutrophils into the bloodstream, which in turn can lead to a noticeable increase in the leukocyte count seen on a complete blood count (CBC). This process is vital for the body's defense mechanisms and healing processes. The other options listed do not typically result in a significant increase in neutrophil count. For instance, mild dehydration can lead to hemoconcentration, which may falsely elevate the concentration of cells in the blood but does not inherently increase the production of neutrophils. Sleep deprivation and a vegetarian diet are not recognized factors for driving neutrophilia either. In summary, the primary reason for the increase in neutrophil count is directly linked to the body's response to tissue damage, making it the correct choice in this scenario.