A patient with rheumatoid arthritis has a hemoglobin level of 10 g/dL.The nurse would consider this anemia to be related to inflammation if which other findings are present? Note: Credit will be given only if all correct choices and no incorrect choices are selected.
Select all that apply.
A)The patient has low vitamin B12 levels.
B)Laboratory testing shows elevated hepcidin level.
C)Increased destruction of erythrocytes is occurring.
D)Serum iron levels are low.
E)The patient's stools are guaiac positive.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Anemia of chronic disease (ACD), also known as anemia of inflammation, is often seen in conditions like rheumatoid arthritis. Elevated hepcidin levels (B) are a hallmark of ACD, as hepcidin inhibits iron release from macrophages and the gut, leading to low serum iron levels (D), despite normal or increased iron stores. This mechanism differentiates it from other types of anemia, such as those caused by vitamin B12 deficiency (A), increased erythrocyte destruction (C), or blood loss (E), which are not directly related to the inflammatory process.

A Patient with Rheumatoid Arthritis Has a Hemoglobin Level of 10