What parameter of the routine complete blood count (CBC) is a ...

[darbym82]

What parameter of the routine complete blood count (CBC) is a sensitive indicator of preclinical iron
 
  a. Red blood cell distribution width (RDW)
  b. Hematocrit
  c. Mean cell hemoglobin (MCH)
  d. Red blood count

Question 2

Which of the following groups is least likely to develop iron deficiency?
 
  a. Infants
  b. Young men
  c. Teenage girls
  d. Adult premenopausal women

[Moriaki]

Answer to Question 1

ANS: A
As iron deficiency develops, hemoglobin synthesis begins to be impaired leading to the production of microcytic red cells. As these small red cells begin to be released and mix in with the normocytic red cells still circulating, anisocytosis develops. This increases the RDW. Eventually the red count and hematocrit begin to decrease, and the MCH decreases when enough small cells become present to affect it.

Answer to Question 2

ANS: B
Young men can easily absorb enough iron to replace the small amount they lose each day and, in fact, can absorb slightly more than needed so that their stores remain adequate. Infants, as they grow, have an expanding erythron requiring more iron. Teenage girls and adult premenopausal women lose iron during their menstrual cycle, and may not absorb adequate amounts of iron to replace all that is lost.

[darbym82]

Excellent

[tandmlomax84]

TYSM