Considering anemia, what effect do vitamin B12 and folate ...

[sarasara]

Considering anemia, what effect do vitamin B12 and folate deficiencies have on red blood cells?
 
  a. They are unable to differentiate into erythrocytes.
  b. They contain malformed hemoglobin molecules.
  c. O2-carrying capacity is decreased.
  d. Their life span is shorter.

Question 2

A 57-year-old male presents to his primary care provider for red face, hands, feet, ears, and headache and drowsiness. A blood smear reveals an increased number of erythrocytes, indicat-ing:
 
  a. polycythemia vera (PV).
  b. leukemia.
  c. sideroblastic anemia.
  d. hemosiderosis.

[juwms]

Answer to Question 1

ANS: D
These deficiencies lead to defective erythrocytes that die prematurely, which decreases their numbers in the circulation, causing anemia. These deficiencies do not cause the RBCs to lack differentiation, contain malformed hemoglobin, or experience diminished O2-carrying capacity.

Answer to Question 2

ANS: A
PV is characterized by excessive proliferation of erythrocyte precursors in the bone marrow. Leukemia is not manifested by changes in erythrocytes. Sideroblastic anemia is characterized by sideroblastic rings. Hemosiderosis is iron overload.

[sarasara]

TYSM

[Jossy]

Gracias!