A nurse is caring for a client with leukemia who reports easy bruising and petechiae on the skin. What is the underlying cause of these symptoms?

A) This choice is correct. A lumbar puncture is performed to assess cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) for the presence of leukemic cells in cases where leukemia may have spread to the central nervous system. This procedure helps determine if the client requires specific treatment to target leukemia in the CNS.

B) This choice is incorrect because a lumbar puncture is not primarily used to evaluate liver and kidney function.

C) This choice is incorrect because measuring blood glucose levels is not the primary purpose of a lumbar puncture.

D) This choice is incorrect because determining the client's platelet count is not the primary purpose of a lumbar puncture. Platelet counts are typically obtained through a blood test.

A) This choice is incorrect because increased platelet production would not lead to easy bruising and petechiae. It would, in fact, improve clotting abilities.

B) This choice is incorrect because overproduction of red blood cells would not directly cause easy bruising and petechiae. It may lead to symptoms like fatigue and pallor.

C) This choice is correct. Easy bruising and petechiae are common in leukemia due to a deficiency of platelets and impaired clotting factors in the blood. Leukemia can lead to decreased platelet production and clotting abnormalities, resulting in easy bleeding and bruising.

D) This choice is incorrect because a deficiency of white blood cells would not directly cause easy bruising and petechiae. It might lead to an increased risk of infections.