The prominent hematological abnormality observed in agranulocytosis is______________?
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Answer: A. Decreased absolute neutrophil count
Explanation
Agranulocytosis is definitively diagnosed by a profound drop in the absolute circulating neutrophil count. The severe depletion of neutrophils leaves the affected patient highly vulnerable to life-threatening bacterial infections. Laboratory blood work directly confirms this critical hematological deficiency defining the primary condition. Neutrophils are essential white blood cells responsible for phagocytosing and destroying invading bacterial pathogens. Agranulocytosis can be triggered by adverse drug reactions, autoimmune diseases, or bone marrow toxicity. The condition drastically impairs the body's acute inflammatory response against opportunistic environmental microorganisms.
Patients experiencing agranulocytosis frequently present with painful necrotic oral ulcers and severe pharyngitis. Immediate discontinuation of offending medications and protective isolation are critical steps in patient management. Broad-spectrum intravenous antibiotics are administered promptly at the first sign of fever or infection. Option B mentions eosinophils which are typically elevated during parasitic infections or allergic reactions. Option C points to basophils which are involved in allergic inflammation rather than the defining neutropenia. Option D refers to monocytes which are phagocytic cells that do not define this specific neutrophil disorder.
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