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Pathophysiology of Leukemia

- Leukemia involves the uncontrolled proliferation and accumulation of abnormal WBCs in the bone marrow, blood, and other tissues

- The abnormal WBCs are immature (blasts) or dysfunctional, and they crowd out the normal blood cells

- The reduced number and function of normal blood cells lead to various hematologic and systemic problems, such as:

  • Infection: due to neutropenia (low neutrophil count) and impaired immunity
  • Bleeding: due to thrombocytopenia (low platelet count) and impaired coagulation
  • Anemia: due to erythropenia (low red blood cell count) and impaired oxygen delivery
  • Organ damage: due to leukemic infiltration, tumor lysis syndrome, or hyperuricemia

Questions on Pathophysiology of Leukemia

Correct Answer is C

Explanation

Leukemia is not caused by exposure to a single specific chemical. Its exact cause is often unknown, but it is believed to involve a combination of genetic and environmental factors.

Correct Answer is C

Explanation

Leukemia is not solely caused by viral infections. Viral infections are not the primary cause of leukemia.

Correct Answer is ["A","B","E"]

Explanation

Gastrointestinal bleeding can occur as a complication of leukemia, especially if the disease affects the gastrointestinal tract or if there is a low platelet count.

Correct Answer is C

Explanation

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.

Correct Answer is D

Explanation

To decrease the number of abnormal white blood cells in the body. Rationale: This is the correct answer. Chemotherapy in leukemia management aims to reduce the number of abnormal white blood cells, thereby controlling the progression of the disease and alleviating symptoms associated with leukemia.

Correct Answer is A

Explanation

"Leukemia only causes bleeding problems, not infections." Rationale: This response is incorrect as it provides inaccurate information. While bleeding problems can occur in some types of leukemia, such as acute promyelocytic leukemia, leukemia can also lead to a weakened immune system and increased susceptibility to infections. The nurse should provide accurate information and address the patient's concerns appropriately.

Correct Answer is B

Explanation

"You might have an iron deficiency causing these symptoms, not leukemia." This response is not entirely accurate because while iron deficiency can also lead to similar symptoms, it does not exclude the possibility of leukemia. Leukemia can coexist with other health issues, including iron deficiency anemia.

Correct Answer is ["B","C","D"]

Explanation

"Urinalysis." Urinalysis is not a standard diagnostic test for leukemia. It is primarily used to assess kidney function and screen for urinary tract infections.

"We are looking for signs of anemia in your bones." While anemia can be related to abnormalities in the bone marrow, this response does not fully capture the scope of bone marrow aspiration and biopsy. These procedures are used to assess a wide range of bone marrow disorders beyond just anemia.

<p>Bone marrow aspiration Bone marrow aspiration is a diagnostic procedure used to assess the bone marrow and is crucial for diagnosing leukemia and determining the subtype of leukemia. It does not directly assess central nervous system involvement, so it is not the procedure the nurse is likely ref

"I will administer erythropoietin to manage anemia." Administering erythropoietin is appropriate for managing anemia in leukemia patients, but it does not address the patient's immediate risk of infection. Anemia and infection are both important considerations in leukemia care, but infection control

"I will encourage verbalization of feelings and concerns." Encouraging verbalization of feelings and concerns is an important aspect of holistic nursing care, but it should not take precedence over pain assessment and management in this situation. While addressing emotional and psychosocial needs is

Respecting the patient's values and preferences is a fundamental aspect of patient-centered care. Each patient is unique, and their values and preferences should guide the care they receive. This respect enhances the patient's sense of autonomy and dignity, contributing to their overall well-being.

Skin irritation, fatigue, nausea, and dysphagia are mentioned, but they are not the most common side effects of chemotherapy in leukemia patients. The primary side effects to monitor in this context are as stated in choice B.

<p>Graft-versus-host disease (GVHD) and organ damage are potential complications of bone marrow or stem cell transplantation, not radiation therapy. GVHD occurs when the transplanted cells attack the recipient&#39;s tissues, and organ damage can result from various factors in the transplant process.
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