A 25 year-old woman comes to the office due to progressive fatigue and occasional dyspnea while performing her daily activities. Laboratory studies reveal a red blood cell count of 3.5 million/mm³ and a hemoglobin concentration of 8.5 g/dL. Peripheral smear is shown in the image below: Physical examination shows conjunctival pallor, erythema around the corners of the mouth, and dry, scaly lips. Her fingernails appear spoon-shaped and brittle. Which of the following findings are most likely present in this patient?

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Eductional Objective: Patients with severe iron deficiency anemia (IDA) typically have evidence of hypochromic, microcytic erythrocytes on peripheral blood smear with poikilocytosis.  Laboratory studies will reveal low red blood cell count, low hepcidin, and high transferrin.  Although erythropoietin is markedly elevated in IDA, there is not enough iron to efficiently generate erythrocytes; therefore, reticulocyte count is low.

A 25 Year-Old Woman Comes to the Office Due to Progressive