A+ Verified
What condition is characterized by an increase in red blood cell count, hemoglobin, and
hematocrit as a normal fetal response to a low oxygen environment?
A) Hemolytic anemia
B) Polycythemia
C) Thrombocytopenia
D) Leukopenia - ANSWER-Correct Answer: B) Polycythemia
Rationale: Polycythemia is a normal response in fetuses and newborns due to the low
oxygen environment in utero, which stimulates erythropoiesis.
13. What does a low MCHC value indicate?
A) Hypochromic anemia
B) Normochromic anemia
C) Hyperchromic anemia
D) Normal hemoglobin concentration - ANSWER-Correct Answer: A) Hypochromic
anemia
Rationale: A low MCHC value indicates less hemoglobin concentration in RBCs, leading
to paler cells often seen in iron deficiency anemia.
A 25-year-old woman presents with fatigue and pale skin. Her iron studies show low
serum iron, low ferritin, high TIBC, and low transferrin saturation. What is the most likely
diagnosis?
A) Anemia of chronic illness
B) Iron deficiency anemia
C) Hemolytic anemia
D) Sickle cell anemia - ANSWER-Answer:
B) Iron deficiency anemia
Rationale:
This pattern—low serum iron, low ferritin, high TIBC, and low transferrin saturation—
strongly points to iron deficiency anemia, which occurs when iron stores are depleted.
A high RDW value suggests:
A) Uniform RBC size
B) Increased oxygen-carrying capacity
C) Variation in RBC size
D) Low hemoglobin levels - ANSWER-Correct Answer: C) Variation in RBC size
, Rationale: An elevated RDW indicates anisocytosis, which is common in mixed anemias
or conditions with uneven RBC production and destruction.
A high total iron-binding capacity (TIBC) is most commonly seen in which condition?
A) Iron deficiency anemia
B) Hemolytic anemia
C) Aplastic anemia
D) Anemia of chronic illness - ANSWER-Answer:
A) Iron deficiency anemia
Rationale:
TIBC is typically elevated in iron deficiency anemia as the body attempts to increase the
transport of iron by producing more transferrin.
A patient presents with fatigue and pale skin. Their iron studies show normal serum
iron, ferritin, and TIBC. Which of the following is the most likely diagnosis?
A) Iron deficiency anemia
B) Vitamin B12 deficiency
C) Hemolytic anemia
D) Anemia of chronic illness - ANSWER-Answer:
B) Vitamin B12 deficiency
Rationale:
Normal iron studies with additional neurological symptoms (e.g., paresthesia or
cognitive disturbances) point toward Vitamin B12 deficiency anemia, which is
characterized by normal iron studies and megaloblastic changes in red blood cells.
A patient with a history of sickle cell anemia presents with shortness of breath and chest
pain. Their iron studies are normal. Which of the following is most likely responsible for
their symptoms?
A) Iron deficiency anemia
B) Sickle cell crisis
C) Vitamin B12 deficiency
D) Hemolytic anemia - ANSWER-Answer:
B) Sickle cell crisis
Rationale:
Sickle cell anemia patients often experience vaso-occlusive crises triggered by
infection, dehydration, or hypoxia. Despite normal iron studies, crises can cause pain,
respiratory issues, and other complications.
Aging-related anemia in men is often associated with
A) High testosterone levels
B) Increased iron absorption
C) Decreased testosterone levels