A 30 year old female patient presents with weakness and fatigue. Physical examination reveals koilonychia and pale mucous membranes. She also gives a history of irregular and heavy menstruation. The peripheral blood smear will most likely show anemia of which kind?
Correct Answer: Microcytic and hypochromic.
Description: Iron Deficiency Anemia
In most instances iron deficiency anemia is mild and asymptomatic. Nonspecific manifestations, such as weakness, listlessness, and pallor, may be present in severe cases. With long-standing anemia, abnormalities of the fingernails, including thinning, flattening, and “spooning,” may appear. A curious but characteristic neurobehavioral complication is pica, the compunction to consume nonfoodstuffs such as dirt or clay. In peripheral smears, red cells are microcytic and hypochromic.
Category:
Pathology
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