ONS/ONCC Chemotherapy Immunotherapy CAQ Renewal Practice Test

Myelosuppression refers to a reduction in the production of blood cells, specifically those produced in the bone marrow, which can include red blood cells, white blood cells, and platelets. This condition is significant in the context of chemotherapy and other treatments because it can lead to complications such as anemia (due to low red blood cell counts), increased risk of infections (due to low white blood cell counts), and bleeding issues (due to low platelet counts). Understanding myelosuppression is crucial for healthcare providers as it affects the management of patient care during cancer treatments.

The other answer choices do not accurately reflect the definition of myelosuppression. For example, an increase in white blood cell production does not align with the concept of suppression, nor does a type of immune response to cancer or a method to enhance chemotherapy effectiveness relate to the reduction in blood cell production described in myelosuppression.