Patient Care Technician Certification (PCTC) AMCA Practice Exam

A word that describes the breakdown of red blood cells is called what?

1. Hemolysis

2. Hematoma

3. Anemia

4. Leukocytosis

The correct answer is: Hemolysis

The term that describes the breakdown of red blood cells is hemolysis. This process involves the destruction or rupture of red blood cells, which can occur due to various reasons, such as certain medical conditions, infections, or toxins. When red blood cells are hemolyzed, they release hemoglobin into the bloodstream, which can lead to several complications depending on the extent and context of the destruction. In contrast, hematoma refers to a localized collection of blood outside of blood vessels, usually due to bleeding under the skin from an injury. Anemia is a condition characterized by a deficiency of red blood cells or hemoglobin in the blood, leading to fatigue and weakness but does not directly describe the breakdown of red blood cells. Leukocytosis is the increase in white blood cell count often in response to infection or stress, which is unrelated to the destruction of red blood cells. Understanding these distinctions is essential for grasping the specific terminology used in patient care and hematology.