(2026) Q&A | University of South Alabama
1. Which type of anemia is characterized by microcytic, hypochromic red blood
cells due to deficient hemoglobin synthesis?
A) Pernicious anemia
B) Iron deficiency anemia
C) Sickle cell anemia
D) Aplastic anemia
Correct Answer: Iron deficiency anemia
Rationale: Iron deficiency anemia produces microcytic, hypochromic red blood
cells because iron is essential for hemoglobin synthesis. Pernicious anemia is
megaloblastic due to vitamin B12 deficiency. Sickle cell anemia is a
hemoglobinopathy with sickle-shaped cells. Aplastic anemia involves bone marrow
failure with pancytopenia.
2. A client with chronic kidney disease develops anemia. Which primary
mechanism explains this finding?
A) Decreased erythropoietin production
B) Increased iron absorption
C) Increased red blood cell survival
D) Decreased platelet production
Correct Answer: Decreased erythropoietin production
,Rationale: The kidneys produce erythropoietin, which stimulates red blood cell
production. In chronic kidney disease, erythropoietin production declines, leading
to anemia. Iron absorption and red cell survival are not increased. Platelet
production is a separate process.
3. Which laboratory finding is most characteristic of disseminated intravascular
coagulation (DIC)?
A) Elevated platelets and fibrinogen
B) Prolonged PT and aPTT with elevated D-dimer
C) Elevated hemoglobin and hematocrit
D) Decreased D-dimer and normal fibrinogen
Correct Answer: Prolonged PT and aPTT with elevated D-dimer
Rationale: DIC involves widespread coagulation activation, consuming clotting
factors and platelets, leading to prolonged PT and aPTT, elevated D-dimer, and low
fibrinogen. Platelets and fibrinogen are typically decreased, not elevated.
Hemoglobin and hematocrit may fall due to bleeding.
4. Which type of leukemia is most common in children?
A) Chronic lymphocytic leukemia
B) Acute lymphoblastic leukemia
C) Acute myeloid leukemia
D) Chronic myeloid leukemia
Correct Answer: Acute lymphoblastic leukemia
, Rationale: Acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) is the most common childhood
leukemia, accounting for approximately 75% of cases. Chronic lymphocytic
leukemia is more common in older adults. Acute myeloid leukemia occurs in both
children and adults but is less common in children. Chronic myeloid leukemia is
rare in children.
5. A client with heparin-induced thrombocytopenia is at risk for which
complication?
A) Bleeding
B) Thrombosis
C) Anemia
D) Neutropenia
Correct Answer: Thrombosis
Rationale: Heparin-induced thrombocytopenia (HIT) is a prothrombotic disorder
in which antibodies activate platelets, leading to thrombosis rather than bleeding.
Bleeding is not the primary risk. Anemia and neutropenia are not direct
complications of HIT.
6. Which type of shock is characterized by inadequate cardiac output despite
adequate intravascular volume?
A) Hypovolemic shock
B) Cardiogenic shock
C) Septic shock
D) Neurogenic shock
Correct Answer: Cardiogenic shock