Question

Patients on radiation and chemotherapy develop bleeding problems caused by a (an)

Select one:
a. increase in megakaryocytes.
b. increase in leukocytes.
c. decrease in erythrocytes.
d. decrease in thrombocytes.

Answer 1

Bleeding problems in patients undergoing radiation and chemotherapy are caused by a decrease in thrombocytes (platelets), a condition known as thrombocytopenia.

Step-by-step explanation:

Patients on radiation and chemotherapy develop bleeding problems caused by a decrease in thrombocytes (platelets). This condition is known as thrombocytopenia, where there are too few platelets resulting in abnormal bleeding. Radiation and chemotherapy can negatively affect the bone marrow, where platelet-producing cells, megakaryocytes, are located, leading to a decreased production of platelets. The significant cell death caused by these treatments to rapidly dividing cells, including those in bone marrow, contributes to this decrease. Thus, the correct answer is d. decrease in thrombocytes.