Question

Lymphopenia may occur with whole body radiation. What is the earliest change to emerge after whole body radiation?

1) Thrombocytopenia
2) Neutropenia
3) Anemia
4) Lymphopenia

Answer 1

Lymphopenia is the earliest change to emerge after whole body radiation.

Step-by-step explanation:

Lymphopenia is the earliest change to emerge after whole body radiation. Lymphopenia is a decrease in the number of lymphocytes, which are a type of white blood cell. White blood cells are rapidly reproducing cells and are particularly sensitive to radiation, which is why lymphopenia occurs soon after exposure. Other changes in blood count, such as thrombocytopenia, neutropenia, and anemia, may also occur but are not the earliest changes to emerge.