An oncology nurse is providing health education for a patient who has recently been diagnosed with leukemia. What should the nurse explain about commonalities between all of the different subtypes of leukemia?
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A: The different leukemias all involve unregulated proliferation of WBC. Leukemia is a type of cancer that affects the blood and bone marrow, leading to the uncontrolled growth of white blood cells. This abnormal proliferation of white blood cells is a common feature across all subtypes of leukemia.
Explanation:
1. Leukemia is a cancer of the blood and bone marrow.
2. In leukemia, there is uncontrolled proliferation of white blood cells.
3. Different subtypes of leukemia may have specific characteristics, but they all involve the abnormal growth of white blood cells.
Summary:
Choice B is incorrect because leukemias do not involve unregulated proliferation of red blood cells. Choice C is incorrect because leukemias do not always result in a decrease in white blood cell production. Choice D is incorrect because leukemia is not specifically related to the lymphatic system; it affects the blood and bone marrow.