Prescribing Safety Assessment (PSA) Practice Exam

Which disease is categorized under causes of lymphocytosis?

1. Pneumonia

2. Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia

3. Cardiovascular disease

4. Appendicitis

The correct answer is: Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia

Lymphocytosis refers to an increased number of lymphocytes in the blood, which can occur due to various conditions. Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia (CLL) is a type of cancer that primarily affects the lymphatic system and is characterized by the accumulation of abnormal lymphocytes. In CLL, the body produces a large number of these lymphocytes, leading to a significant increase in their levels in the bloodstream. This makes CLL a well-known cause of lymphocytosis. In contrast, while pneumonia can lead to a reactive increase in lymphocyte count due to the immune response, it typically causes a more pronounced elevation of neutrophils, and is not a primary cause of lymphocytosis. Similarly, cardiovascular disease and appendicitis may trigger some changes in lymphocyte levels but are not typically associated with a significant or sustained increase in lymphocyte counts like CLL is. Therefore, when considering the causes of lymphocytosis, Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia stands out as a definitive pathological condition that is known specifically for causing this increase.