2. A child is admitted to the hospital for suspicion of leukemia. Which test is needed to confirm the suspected diagnosis?
2. A child is admitted to the hospital for suspicion of leukemia. Which test is needed to confirm the suspected diagnosis?
Test-Taking Tip
The question asks for the test that will confirm a diagnosis of leukemia, not symptoms. Since leukemia is a disease of the bone marrow, a biopsy is the best answer.
Content Area: Child Health, Hematological; Integrated Process: Nursing Process, Analysis; Cognitive Level: Comprehension; Client Need/Subneed: Physiological Integrity/Reduction of Risk Potential/Diagnostic Tests
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Answer 1 is incorrect because, although the white blood cell count is low in a child with leukemia, this alone is insufficient to diagnose leukemia. Answer 2 is correct because the diagnosis of leukemia is confirmed by assessing the bone marrow through a needle biopsy. Answer 3 is incorrect because a spinal tap is part of the diagnostic assessment but this laboratory test alone is insufficient to diagnose leukemia. Answer 4 is incorrect because, although the platelet count is low in a child with leukemia, this laboratory test alone is insufficient to diagnose leukemia.
