A nurse is providing education to a client newly diagnosed with leukemia.
Which statement by the nurse accurately describes leukemia?
A “Leukemia is a benign disorder of the blood and bone marrow.”
B “Leukemia is characterized by the proliferation of normal white blood cells.”
C “Leukemia can lead to complications such as infection, bleeding, and anemia.”
D “Leukemia is caused by exposure to a single specific chemical.”
The Correct Answer and Explanation is:
The correct answer is C: “Leukemia can lead to complications such as infection, bleeding, and anemia.”
Explanation:
Leukemia is a type of cancer that affects the blood and bone marrow. It is characterized by the uncontrolled proliferation of abnormal white blood cells. This overproduction of immature or dysfunctional white blood cells interferes with the normal production of red blood cells and platelets, which can lead to several serious complications.
**1. Complications of Leukemia:
- Infection: The proliferation of abnormal white blood cells in leukemia impairs the body’s ability to produce functional white blood cells that can fight infections effectively. This leaves patients highly susceptible to infections, which are often severe and can be life-threatening.
- Bleeding: Leukemia affects the bone marrow’s ability to produce platelets, which are crucial for blood clotting. A reduction in platelet count (thrombocytopenia) increases the risk of bleeding, which can manifest as easy bruising, nosebleeds, or more severe hemorrhages.
- Anemia: As leukemia progresses, it can inhibit the production of red blood cells (which carry oxygen to the body’s tissues), leading to anemia. Symptoms of anemia include fatigue, weakness, and pallor, which result from the decreased oxygen-carrying capacity of the blood.
**2. Why Other Options Are Incorrect:
- Option A (“Leukemia is a benign disorder of the blood and bone marrow.”) is incorrect because leukemia is not benign. It is a malignant condition that requires aggressive treatment and can be life-threatening.
- Option B (“Leukemia is characterized by the proliferation of normal white blood cells.”) is incorrect because leukemia involves the proliferation of abnormal, not normal, white blood cells. These cells do not function properly and do not provide effective immune protection.
- Option D (“Leukemia is caused by exposure to a single specific chemical.”) is incorrect because leukemia is not typically caused by a single specific chemical. While certain risk factors, including exposure to radiation or some chemicals, can increase the risk of leukemia, the disease is not attributed to a single cause but rather to a combination of genetic and environmental factors.
Understanding these aspects of leukemia helps in recognizing the seriousness of the condition and the need for comprehensive management to address the potential complications effectively.