Certified Medical-Surgical Registered Nurse Practice Exam

Which body system is least affected by multiple myeloma?

1. Skeletal system

2. Renal system

3. Nervous system

4. Cardiovascular system

The correct answer is: Cardiovascular system

Multiple myeloma primarily impacts the skeletal system, renal system, and can also affect the nervous system due to the production of abnormal proteins by malignant plasma cells. The skeletal system is significantly affected because multiple myeloma leads to the development of bone lesions and increased bone resorption, resulting in a higher risk of fractures and bone pain. The renal system can suffer due to the overload of proteins, leading to kidney impairment or kidney failure, primarily from the deposition of light chains known as Bence Jones proteins. The nervous system may be impacted through related complications such as peripheral neuropathy or spinal cord compression from osteolytic lesions. In contrast, the cardiovascular system is generally the least affected by multiple myeloma. While there may be indirect effects due to changes in fluid balance, coagulopathy, or secondary effects impacting overall health, the direct pathology and complications of multiple myeloma do not primarily target or damage the cardiovascular system. Hence, it stands out as the body system least affected by this disease.