Leukemia
Leukemia ( 15 Questions)
Which clinical manifestation should the nurse expect to find in this patient?
Increased platelet count. Rationale: Leukemia is a condition characterized by an overproduction of abnormal white blood cells (WBCs), which can crowd out normal blood cells. This overcrowding typically leads to a decrease in the production of other blood components, including platelets. Therefore, an increased platelet count would not be expected in a patient with leukemia. In fact, thrombocytopenia, or a decreased platelet count, is a common finding in leukemia due to the suppression of normal bone marrow function.
Elevated hemoglobin levels. Rationale: Leukemia does not typically cause elevated hemoglobin levels. Hemoglobin levels are usually within the normal range or may be decreased in some cases, especially if there is associated anemia. The primary concern in leukemia is the overproduction of abnormal WBCs, which can lead to anemia and other complications.
Frequent infections. Rationale: Frequent infections are a common clinical manifestation of leukemia. The abnormal WBCs produced in leukemia are often ineffective in fighting off infections, which can result in a weakened immune system. Patients with leukemia are more susceptible to bacterial, viral, and fungal infections.
Normal white blood cell count. Rationale: A normal white blood cell count would not be expected in a patient with leukemia. Leukemia is characterized by an increased number of abnormal white blood cells in the bloodstream. This condition often leads to leukocytosis, an elevated white blood cell count.
Choice A rationale:
Increased platelet count.
Rationale: Leukemia is a condition characterized by an overproduction of abnormal white blood cells (WBCs), which can crowd out normal blood cells.
This overcrowding typically leads to a decrease in the production of other blood components, including platelets.
Therefore, an increased platelet count would not be expected in a patient with leukemia.
In fact, thrombocytopenia, or a decreased platelet count, is a common finding in leukemia due to the suppression of normal bone marrow function.
Choice B rationale:
Elevated hemoglobin levels.
Rationale: Leukemia does not typically cause elevated hemoglobin levels.
Hemoglobin levels are usually within the normal range or may be decreased in some cases, especially if there is associated anemia.
The primary concern in leukemia is the overproduction of abnormal WBCs, which can lead to anemia and other complications.
Choice C rationale:
Frequent infections.
Rationale: Frequent infections are a common clinical manifestation of leukemia.
The abnormal WBCs produced in leukemia are often ineffective in fighting off infections, which can result in a weakened immune system.
Patients with leukemia are more susceptible to bacterial, viral, and fungal infections.
Choice D rationale:
Normal white blood cell count.
Rationale: A normal white blood cell count would not be expected in a patient with leukemia.
Leukemia is characterized by an increased number of abnormal white blood cells in the bloodstream.
This condition often leads to leukocytosis, an elevated white blood cell count.