A 56-year-old female complains of generalized weakness and a 20 lb weight loss over the past 6 months. Blood pressure is 136/80 mmHg and pulse is 88/min. Laboratory values reveal a hematocrit of 31% (normal 40-45%), hemoglobin level of 10 g/dL (normal 14 g/dL), and a blood smear shows hypochromic microcytic cells. A stool test for occult blood is positive. Which of the following would be the most likely cause of the findings?
A) Acute blood loss
B) Folic acid deficiency
C) Hemochromatosis
D) Iron deficiency
E) ($\beta$)-Thalassemia trait

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The patient's symptoms of generalized weakness, weight loss, and the laboratory findings of hypochromic microcytic cells along with a positive stool test for occult blood suggest iron deficiency anemia, likely secondary to chronic blood loss, possibly from the gastrointestinal tract.

A 56-Year-Old Female Complains of Generalized Weakness and a 20 β\betaβ

A 56-Year-Old Female Complains of Generalized Weakness and a 20 $\beta$