Certified Pediatric Hematology Oncology Nurse (CPHON) Practice Exam 2025 - Free CPHON Practice Questions and Study Guide

Diamond-Blackfan Anemia is indeed characterized as a rare, chronic hematologic condition with early onset, typically presenting in infancy or early childhood. This congenital form of anemia is primarily noted for its inability to produce sufficient red blood cells due to defective erythroid progenitor cells in the bone marrow.

This condition can result from genetic mutations, often found in the ribosomal protein genes, which affect the body’s capacity to respond to physiological stressors that stimulate red blood cell production. Because of the early onset, patients may experience symptoms related to anemia, such as fatigue, pallor, or delayed growth and development, right from a young age.

Unlike the options that mention a commonality with adulthood or gender-specific prevalence, Diamond-Blackfan Anemia does not show a gender bias significantly and is not frequently encountered in older populations. Additionally, it does not correlate with increased platelet counts; rather, patients may display normal or occasionally elevated white blood cell counts, but the hallmark of this anemia is the lack of adequate red blood cell production.