Choice A reason: Aplastic anemia results in an increased rate of RBC destruction

Aplastic anemia does not result from an increased rate of red blood cell (RBC) destruction. Instead, it is characterized by the bone marrow’s inability to produce sufficient new blood cells, including RBCs, white blood cells, and platelets. This condition leads to pancytopenia, a deficiency of all types of blood cells.

Choice B reason: Aplastic anemia is associated with a decreased intake of iron

Aplastic anemia is not typically associated with a decreased intake of iron. Iron deficiency anemia is a different condition where the body lacks enough iron to produce hemoglobin. Aplastic anemia, on the other hand, is due to the failure of the bone marrow to produce adequate blood cells.

Choice C reason: Aplastic anemia results from decreased bone marrow production of RBCs

This statement is correct. Aplastic anemia occurs when the bone marrow fails to produce enough new blood cells. This can be due to various factors, including autoimmune disorders, exposure to toxic chemicals, certain medications, and viral infections. The decreased production of RBCs, along with other blood cells, leads to the symptoms associated with aplastic anemia.

Choice D reason: Aplastic anemia results in an inability to absorb vitamin B12

Aplastic anemia is not related to the absorption of vitamin B12. Pernicious anemia is the condition associated with an inability to absorb vitamin B12 due to a lack of intrinsic factor. Aplastic anemia is specifically related to the bone marrow’s failure to produce sufficient blood cells.

Joint Pain

Sickle Cell Disease: Joint pain is a common symptom of sickle cell disease due to vaso-occlusive crises, where sickle- shaped red blood cells block blood flow to the joints, causing pain and inflammation. These episodes can be severe and recurrent, leading to chronic pain and joint damage over time.

Leukemia: Joint pain can also be a symptom of leukemia, particularly in children. This occurs because leukemia cells can infiltrate the bone marrow, causing bone and joint pain. The pain is often due to the expansion of the marrow cavity by the leukemic cells.

Heart Rate at 1000

Sickle Cell Disease: An increased heart rate (tachycardia) can occur in sickle cell disease due to anemia. The body compensates for the reduced oxygen-carrying capacity of the blood by increasing the heart rate.

Iron Deficiency Anemia: Tachycardia is also a common symptom of iron deficiency anemia. The heart works harder to pump more blood to deliver adequate oxygen to tissues, resulting in an increased heart rate.

Leukemia: In leukemia, anemia can develop due to the replacement of normal bone marrow cells with leukemic cells, leading to a reduced number of red blood cells and subsequent tachycardia as the body attempts to compensate.

Respiratory Status

Sickle Cell Disease: Dyspnea (difficulty breathing) and labored breathing can occur in sickle cell disease due to anemia and acute chest syndrome, a severe complication where sickle cells block blood flow in the lungs.

Iron Deficiency Anemia: Respiratory symptoms such as shortness of breath and labored breathing are common in iron deficiency anemia due to the reduced oxygen-carrying capacity of the blood.

Leukemia: Leukemia can cause respiratory symptoms due to anemia and the infiltration of leukemic cells into the lungs, leading to reduced oxygenation and labored breathing.

Jaundice

Sickle Cell Disease: Jaundice is a common symptom of sickle cell disease due to the increased breakdown of red blood cells (hemolysis), leading to elevated bilirubin levels.

Leukemia: Jaundice can also occur in leukemia if the liver is infiltrated by leukemic cells or if there is significant hemolysis.

Ankle Ulcer

Sickle Cell Disease: Ankle ulcers are a common complication of sickle cell disease. They result from poor blood flow and oxygen delivery to the skin, leading to chronic, non-healing ulcers.