Which of the following results is or are typical in stage 3 iron ...

[yoooooman]

Which of the following results is or are typical in stage 3 iron deficiency anemia?
 
  a. Elevated reticulocyte percentage
  b. Thrombocytopenia
  c. Macrocytic red cells
  d. Low mean cell volume (MCV), MCH, and mean cell hemoglobin concentration (MCHC)

Question 2

Which of the following is the best test to distinguish iron deficiency anemia from ACI?
 
  a. Serum iron
  b. Hemoglobin
  c. Free erythrocyte protoporphyrin (FEP)
  d. Ferritin

[pocatato]

Answer to Question 1

ANS: D
In stage 3 iron deficiency the red cells are microcytic and hypochromic. Therefore the MCV, MCH, and MCHC are all low. (The MCH is actually lower than would be expected for the red cell size if it had been normochromic.) The reticulocyte count () is low, sometimes thrombocytosis is seen, and the red cells are not macrocytic.

Answer to Question 2

ANS: D
Of the tests listed, only ferritin distinguishes between iron deficiency anemia and ACI; in iron deficiency anemia, it is low, whereas in ACI it is normal to elevated. Serum iron and hemoglobin (if the patient is anemic) are decreased in both; FEP is increased in both.