A 7-year-old has symptoms of acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL). Upon admission to the hospital, petechiae are noted on her trunk and extremities, and she reports epistaxis and tarry stools. In addition to the symptoms noted, the patient is also likely to have which of these other common symptoms?

Explanation

•Symptoms of acute lymphoblastic leukemia (also called acute lymphocytic leukemia) are associated with malfunctioning erythrocytes, leukocytes, and platelets. This includes fever, fatigue, anorexia, anemia, petechiae, weight loss, bruising, dyspnea, and bone pain.

•In patients with ALL, bone marrow overproduces lymphocytes and soon becomes unable to continue normal production of other blood components. ALL is the most common type of leukemia in children.

•Incorrect options: Muscular twitching, bradycardia, and eosinophilia are not associated with ALL.

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