Which of the following can be evaluated only through the microscopic examination of a stained blood film?

a. White blood cell (WBC) count
b. Reticulocyte count
c. Hemoglobin concentration
d. Presence or absence of blood cell inclusions

ANS: D
Making and staining a blood film and then placing it under a microscope allow the clinical laboratory scientist to evaluate the morphology of blood cells and examine them for the presence or absence of blood cell inclusions. These inclusions are important for cell identification and, when abnormal inclusions are present, sometimes provide "clues" as to the cause of disease. All the other parameters mentioned are or can be performed using an automated hematology instrument, including reticulocyte counting.

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Which of the following conditions can cause the cuff pressure in an endotracheal tube to become elevated? I. too small an ETT for a given patient II. malposition of the ETT III. tracheomalacia IV. the length of the ETT

A. I, III only B. II, IV only C. I, II, III only D. II, III, IV only

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An 18-year-old with severe asthma is brought into the emergency department on an nonrebreath-ing mask; he is in acute respiratory distress

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