A client asks the nurse, "What is leukemia?" How should the nurse respond?

A) This choice is incorrect because an elevated red blood cell count is not a typical finding in leukemia. Leukemia is characterized by the overproduction of white blood cells, not red blood cells.

B) This choice is correct. Leukemia is associated with an elevated white blood cell count, particularly an abnormal increase in blast cells, which are immature cells indicative of leukemia.

C) This choice is incorrect because an elevated platelet count is not a typical finding in leukemia. Leukemia is more commonly associated with thrombocytopenia, which is a decreased platelet count.

D) This choice is incorrect because the laboratory report indicating elevated levels of blast cells in the peripheral blood supports the suspicion of leukemia, not the blast cells' presence in the bone marrow.

A) This statement is correct. Having a family history of leukemia is considered a risk factor for developing the disease, particularly in cases of familial or hereditary leukemia.

B) This statement is correct. Exposure to high levels of ionizing radiation, such as during radiation therapy or nuclear accidents, is a well-known risk factor for leukemia.

C) This statement is correct. Individuals with Down syndrome have an increased risk of developing leukemia, particularly acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) and acute myeloid leukemia (AML).

D) This statement is incorrect. While physical activity is beneficial for overall health and may reduce the risk of various cancers, there is no evidence to suggest that being physically active specifically reduces the risk of developing leukemia.