A healthcare professional is assessing a patient who has cancer and a hemoglobin of 8.8 mg/dL. What factors should the professional assess the patient for?

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

A hemoglobin of 8.8 mg/dL is low, indicating that the patient has anemia. Common causes for cancer patients to become anemic include chronic bleeding, malabsorption of iron, and malnutrition. Recent blood transfusions may have been given to treat anemia, but are not a causative factor. Current infection would not affect the hemoglobin.

A Healthcare Professional Is Assessing a Patient Who Has Cancer