If a definition list ( https://pandoc.org/MANUAL.html#definition-lists ) starts with a list, then an empty item seems to be inserted when converting to latex.

Problem 1
~
    #. Circle the keywords

produces in latex

\begin{description}
\item[Problem 1]
\begin{enumerate}
\tightlist
\item[] % This is what I'm talking about
\item
  Circle the keywords
\end{enumerate}
\end{description}

Note the \item[].

This problem does not seem to occur with html, as this markdown is rendered as

<dl>
<dt>Problem 1</dt>
<dd><ol>
<li>Circle the keywords</li>
</ol>
</dd>
</dl>

Is this a bug or am I missing something?