Normal WBC Count in Appendicitis

A 24-year-old female presents to the emergency department with complaints of severe abdominal pain and nausea. Upon examination, the healthcare team notes that the patient has a fever, elevated heart rate, and tenderness in the right lower quadrant of her abdomen. The physician suspects acute appendicitis, which is an inflammation of the appendix.

In this condition, the body experiences an inflammatory response. During this response, the release of various cytokines leads to increased capillary permeability and vasodilation. This results in characteristic symptoms of redness, swelling, and heat in the affected area. In cases of severe inflammation, the body may react by producing an increased number of white blood cells.

Fill in the blank: The normal white blood cell count ranges from _____ cells per microliter of blood.