Author Question: Which of the following age groups normally has the lowest mean red cell values (red cell count, ... (Read 93 times)

kellyjaisingh · **on:** Jun 25, 2018

Which of the following age groups normally has the lowest mean red cell values (red cell count, hemoglobin, hematocrit)?

a. Preterm premature
b. Full-term newborn
c. Normal 2-year-old child
d. Normal 30-year-old woman

Question 2

A Complete blood count (CBC) is requested on a full-term newborn girl, and the following results are obtained:

RBCs 5.07 x 1012/L
Hemoglobin 14.4
Hematocrit 44.5
MCV 88 fL
White blood cells (WBCs) 26.8 x 109/L
Platelets 295 x 109/L

What conclusion can be made regarding these data for this infant?

a. All results are normal.
b. The white count is elevated.
c. Hemoglobin, hematocrit, and MCV are all decreased.
d. Red cell count, hemoglobin, and hematocrit are all normal, but MCV is decreased.

jasonq · **Reply #1 on:** Jun 25, 2018

Answer to Question 1

ANS: A
The mean red cell count for the preterm infant is 3.2 1012/L, with correspondingly low values for hemoglobin and hematocrit. This is lower than for any of the other age groups listed.

Answer to Question 2

ANS: C
The hemoglobin, hematocrit, and MCV are all low for a full-term newborn (the red count is actually in the reference range). Because the red count is relatively high for the hematocrit and hemoglobin, with the low MCV, thalassemia should be suspected.