Professional and Linguistic Assessments Board (PLAB) Practice Exam

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What adverse effect is characterized by lowering of white blood cells, primarily neutrophils?

Neutropenia
Agranulocytosis
Leukopenia
Thrombocytopenia

The correct answer is: Agranulocytosis

Agranulocytosis is characterized by a significant reduction in the number of neutrophils—a type of white blood cell crucial for fighting infections. This condition generally refers to an extreme form of neutropenia, where the neutrophil count drops to dangerously low levels, leading to a high risk of serious infections. Agranulocytosis can occur due to various reasons, such as adverse drug reactions, infections, or autoimmune disorders, making it critical to identify and treat the underlying cause promptly. While neutropenia is a more general term for a low neutrophil count, agranulocytosis specifically highlights the severe deficiency that poses immediate health risks. Recognizing this distinction is vital for managing patients effectively, especially those undergoing treatments such as chemotherapy, which can lead to such blood cell changes.