A nurse is reviewing the diagnostic tests of a client suspected of having leukemia. The laboratory report shows elevated levels of blast cells in the peripheral blood. Which test result supports the suspicion of leukemia?

A) This choice is incorrect because ALL does not result in the overproduction of red blood cells. It primarily affects lymphocytes, not red blood cells.

B) This choice is incorrect because ALL involves the overproduction of abnormal lymphocytes, not normal white blood cells. These abnormal lymphocytes crowd out normal cells.

C) This choice is correct. In ALL, the uncontrolled proliferation of abnormal lymphocytes leads to the overcrowding of the bone marrow. As a result, normal bone marrow cells, including red blood cells, platelets, and other white blood cells, are suppressed, leading to various cytopenias.

D) This choice is incorrect because ALL does not cause the bone marrow to become fibrous and unable to produce any blood cells. That description is more characteristic of myelofibrosis, a different bone marrow disorder.

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.