FAU Advanced Health Assessment Practice Test

In patients with cystitis, which laboratory finding is typically present during assessment?

1. Presence of RBCs

2. Presence of WBCs

3. Presence of bacteria

4. Absence of glucose

The correct answer is: Presence of WBCs

In patients with cystitis, the presence of white blood cells (WBCs) is commonly observed during laboratory assessment. This finding indicates an inflammatory response, which is characteristic of cystitis, an infection or inflammation of the bladder. The body responds to the infection caused by bacteria, leading to an influx of white blood cells to the area, where they attempt to combat the pathogens. This is often reflected in a urinalysis, where increased WBC count is a key indicator of the inflammatory process associated with cystitis. While the presence of red blood cells (RBCs) may sometimes be seen if there is irritation or injury to the bladder lining, it is not as definitive as the presence of WBCs. Similarly, the presence of bacteria can also be observed in urine tests; however, it is the WBC count that more reliably signifies inflammation. Lastly, the absence of glucose in urine is generally not relevant to diagnosing cystitis and does not reflect the typical laboratory findings associated with this condition. Therefore, the presence of WBCs stands out as the hallmark laboratory finding in patients with cystitis.