Which symptom is most commonly associated with leukemia due to bone marrow failure?

• A. Severe hypertension
• B. Abdominal distention
• C. Anemia
• D. Polycythemia

Answer: (C)

Bone marrow failure from leukemia reduces the production of red blood cells, so anemia is the most common symptom. When red cells are low, the blood’s ability to carry oxygen drops, leading to fatigue, weakness, pallor, and shortness of breath with exertion.

Hypertension isn’t a direct result of marrow failure in leukemia, and abdominal distention isn’t a typical early sign of the disease. Polycythemia would mean too many red cells, which goes against the usual pattern seen with marrow suppression in leukemia.