National Board of Chiropractic Examiners (NBCE) Practice Test

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Prepare for the National Board of Chiropractic Examiners Test. Utilize interactive quizzes and comprehensive study guides for each subject. Gain confidence and ensure you're exam-ready!

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Hypotension and a total WBC count of 30,000 in a 22-year-old is most likely due to which condition?

Erythropoietin secreting tumor
Severe sepsis
Acute leukemia
Appendicitis

The correct answer is: Severe sepsis

The presence of hypotension and a significantly elevated total white blood cell (WBC) count of 30,000 in a 22-year-old patient strongly suggests the diagnosis of severe sepsis. In sepsis, the body's response to an infection can lead to a systemic inflammatory response, which often results in hypotension due to widespread vasodilation and potential damage to blood vessels. The elevated white blood cell count indicates an immune response to an infection, which is a hallmark of sepsis. In severe cases, sepsis can progress to septic shock, where significant hypotension occurs despite adequate fluid resuscitation, further affirming its critical nature. Other conditions listed may also present with changes in WBC counts but are less likely to simultaneously cause hypotension alongside such a pronounced increase in white blood cells.