A child comes to the emergency room with RLQ pain and vomiting. Which of these test results, if elevated, would be indicative of acute appendicitis?

Explanation

• 80 to 85% of patients with appendicitis have an increased WBC count (leukocytosis), but this is not specific and so a collection of diagnostic signs and symptoms are used to support the diagnosis. An increase in neutrophils occurs in 95% of patients.

• Other lab results associated with appendicitis include C-reactive protein increase (it is an "-itis," so there is acute inflammation), IL-6, and liver enzyme increase.

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