2024 PN NCLEX Questions Nursing Practice Question
Chemotherapeutic agents often produce a degree of myelosuppression including leukopenia. Leukopenia does not present immediately but is delayed several days or weeks because:
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: Leukopenia occurs as a delayed response to chemotherapy due to the time it takes for the drug to impact the bone marrow, where white blood cells are produced.
Option D highlights that the current white cell count remains unaffected immediately after chemotherapy, as the existing cells are not instantly destroyed.
Option A is incorrect; normal hemoglobin and hematocrit levels do not explain the delay in leukopenia.
Option B is misleading; while red blood cells may be affected, they do not precede white blood cells in this context.
Option C is irrelevant, as normal folic acid levels do not directly influence the timing of leukopenia onset.