Due to the presence of immature WBCs, a patient with leukemia is primarily at risk for which condition?

In patients with leukemia, the presence of immature white blood cells, often referred to as blast cells, leads to an impaired immune response. White blood cells are crucial components of the immune system, responsible for defending the body against infections. When these cells are immature, they lack the effectiveness and functional capacity of mature white blood cells. This immaturity results in a significant increase in the patient's susceptibility to infections due to the body's reduced ability to combat bacterial, viral, or fungal pathogens.

While hemorrhage can also occur in leukemia due to low platelet counts, the question specifically addresses the primary risk associated with immature white blood cells. Hyperglycemia and pneumonia, although concerning in overall health contexts, are not directly related to the presence of immature WBCs in the same way as the elevated infection risk. Thus, the primary concern in this situation is the increased likelihood of infections, making this the reason for the correct answer.