NBRC Registered Respiratory Therapist (RRT) Exit Practice Exam

Neutrophils mature in the bone marrow and circulate in two main appearances on a differential: mature segmented neutrophils and immature band neutrophils. The segmented neutrophil has a multi-lobed, clearly divided nucleus, while the band neutrophil shows a curved, band-shaped nucleus with less segmentation. Together these are the predominant circulating forms. When the bone marrow releases more immature neutrophils in response to infection or stress, bands increase in number—a “left shift”—indicating an active need for neutrophils. The other choices refer to different white blood cell types or to other immature precursors that aren’t the typical circulating forms of neutrophils.