A pregnant patient at 24 weeks' gestation complains of shortness of breath on exertion,fatigue,weakness,and constant cravings for ice chips.On physical examination,vital signs are T 98.6,pulse 100,resps 18/min,BP 120/ 70.On physical examination,heart has regular rate and rhythm at 100 beats/min,no S3,no murmurs.Lungs are clear to auscultation.Abdominal examination is negative.Uterus fundus is above umbilicus.Ankles: no edema.Dorsalis pedis pulses +2/4 bilaterally.Urine dipstick is negative for protein.Laboratory tests reveal CBC: Hgb 10 microcytic hypochromic RBCs.Which of the following conditions should be suspected?

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The patient's presentation of shortness of breath on exertion, fatigue, weakness, and microcytic hypochromic RBCs on CBC is consistent with iron deficiency anemia, which is a common complication of pregnancy. The patient's negative urine dipstick for protein rules out other potential causes of anemia in pregnancy, such as preeclampsia or chronic kidney disease. The patient's other symptoms and physical exam findings do not suggest folic acid or vitamin B12 deficiency anemia.

A Pregnant Patient at 24 Weeks' Gestation Complains of Shortness