A 65-year-old patient living in Florida sees his physician in early June complaining of generalized weakness, constant tiredness, and lack of energy. A complete blood count shows smaller than normal erythrocytes and lowered hemoglobin concentration. The patient also suffers from angular stomatitis, glossitis, and reduction in the number of lingual papillae. The physician should be considering which of the following possibilities?

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The symptoms described suggest a diagnosis of iron deficiency anemia. The smaller than normal erythrocytes and lowered hemoglobin concentration indicate anemia, and the presence of angular stomatitis, glossitis, and reduction in the number of lingual papillae suggest iron deficiency. Blood loss and aplastic anemia would have different diagnostic criteria and a different presentation, while seasonal affective disorder and depression do not explain the physical symptoms mentioned.

A 65-Year-Old Patient Living in Florida Sees His Physician in Early