What medical condition may present with symptoms of anemia, easy bleeding, and a susceptibility to infections?

Prepare for the CSMLS Medical Laboratory Assistants Exam with flashcards and multiple-choice questions. Each question includes hints and explanations. Get ready to excel on your test!

Leukemia is a type of cancer that affects the bone marrow and blood, leading to the production of abnormal white blood cells. This condition can present with symptoms such as anemia because the abnormal blood cells can crowd out healthy red blood cell production, resulting in decreased hemoglobin levels and subsequent fatigue or weakness.

Additionally, patients with leukemia may experience easy bleeding and bruising. This is often due to a reduction in healthy platelets, which are crucial for normal clotting. The compromised production of platelets can lead to a condition called thrombocytopenia, which puts patients at risk for spontaneous bleeding.

Furthermore, susceptibility to infections is another significant feature of leukemia. The production of abnormal white blood cells not only disrupts the normal function of these immune cells but can also result in a lower overall number of functional white blood cells. This reduced immune response makes patients more vulnerable to infections, as the body struggles to effectively combat pathogens.

Understanding the interplay of these symptoms provides insight into how leukemia affects the body's systems, making it the correct condition associated with the symptoms listed in the question.

Subscribe

Get the latest from Examzify

You can unsubscribe at any time. Read our privacy policy