What laboratory findings are commonly associated with cholangitis?

Cholangitis is an infection of the bile duct system often caused by obstruction, leading to a classic triad of symptoms referred to as Charcot's triad: fever, right upper quadrant pain, and jaundice. In terms of laboratory findings associated with this condition, the expected results highlight the body's response to infection and biliary obstruction.

Elevated white blood cell (WBC) counts indicate an inflammatory response, which is typical during an infection like cholangitis. An increase in bilirubin levels occurs due to the obstruction of bile flow, leading to accumulation of bile pigments in the bloodstream, which causes jaundice. Additionally, alkaline phosphatase, an enzyme associated with bile duct obstruction, is also elevated in cholangitis as it signifies cholestasis. These laboratory findings are critical in diagnosing cholangitis and guiding further management.

The other options present findings that do not align with what would be typically seen in patients with cholangitis. Low WBC counts or normal levels would be inconsistent with the infection status, and negative blood cultures would not provide insight into the presence of the infection that is characteristic of cholangitis. Therefore, the selection that indicates elevated WBC, elevated bilirubin, and increased alkaline phosphatase accurately reflects the