Malignant disorders that arise from granulocytic cells in the bone marrow will have the primary effect of causing

• A. risk for hemorrhage.
• B. altered oxygenation.
• C. decreased production of antibodies.
• D. decreased phagocytosis of bacteria.

Answer: (D)

Granulocytic bone marrow malignancies disrupt the production and function of neutrophils, the primary phagocytes that engulf and destroy bacteria. When the marrow is taken over by malignant cells, mature neutrophils are reduced and may be less effective, leading to a weakened ability to phagocytose invading bacteria. This makes infections more likely and is the main clinical impact of these disorders. While anemia or low platelets can also occur with marrow failure, the hallmark effect related to granulocytic malignancies is increased infection risk from impaired neutrophil phagocytosis.