Associate Safety Professional Practice Exam

What is the effect of leukemia on the blood?

1. Underproduction of red blood cells

2. Normal production of blood cells

3. Overproduction of white blood cells

4. Decreased platelet count

The correct answer is: Overproduction of white blood cells

Leukemia primarily affects the blood by causing the overproduction of white blood cells. In this condition, the bone marrow produces large numbers of abnormal white blood cells that do not function properly. This overproduction leads to a variety of complications, including overcrowding of the bone marrow, which can hinder the production of other types of blood cells, such as red blood cells and platelets. The overabundance of these dysfunctional white blood cells can impair the body's ability to fight infections, as they often lack the necessary capabilities of healthy white blood cells. Furthermore, the presence of these excess white cells can lead to a range of health issues, including anemia due to the underproduction of red blood cells and an increased risk of bleeding due to reduced platelet levels. This multifaceted impact on blood health illustrates the critical role that white blood cells play in our immune response and how their dysregulation in leukemia can lead to significant health challenges.