In leukemia, bone marrow activity is depressed. This results in which of the following?

In leukemia, bone marrow activity is depressed. This results in which of the following?

• A. Blood cancer
• B. Infection
• C. Anemia
• D. Bleeding

Answer: (C)

When the bone marrow isn’t producing blood cells effectively, all three cell lines—red blood cells, white blood cells, and platelets—are reduced. In leukemia, marrow is crowded by malignant cells that suppress normal hematopoiesis. The most direct consequence is a drop in red blood cell production, leading to anemia. With fewer red cells to carry oxygen, tissues don’t get enough oxygen, causing fatigue, pallor, and shortness of breath with exertion. Infection and bleeding are also concerns because white cells and platelets are decreased, respectively, but the primary outcome tied to depressed marrow activity is anemia due to the reduced production of red blood cells.

When the bone marrow isn’t producing blood cells effectively, all three cell lines—red blood cells, white blood cells, and platelets—are reduced. In leukemia, marrow is crowded by malignant cells that suppress normal hematopoiesis. The most direct consequence is a drop in red blood cell production, leading to anemia. With fewer red cells to carry oxygen, tissues don’t get enough oxygen, causing fatigue, pallor, and shortness of breath with exertion.

Infection and bleeding are also concerns because white cells and platelets are decreased, respectively, but the primary outcome tied to depressed marrow activity is anemia due to the reduced production of red blood cells.