When reviewing the complete blood count report for a child with a febrile illness, a shift to the left is noted because of

Rationale: A. Increased neutrophils indicate neutrophilia but do not specifically define a “shift to the left.” B. Decreased lymphocytes suggest viral infection or immunosuppression, not a left shift. C. A shift to the left refers to an increased number of band neutrophils (immature neutrophils) in the peripheral blood, typically seen during acute bacterial infections as the bone marrow releases immature cells to meet increased demand. D. Presence of eosinophils is usually associated with allergic reactions or parasitic infections and is unrelated to a left shift.