Which of the following is useful in helping to distinguish mild asymptomatic iron deficiency from thalassemia trait?

a. Low MCV with relatively high red blood count
b. Mild anemia
c. Increased osmotic fragility
d. Increased ferritin


ANS: B
The red blood cell (RBC) count is relatively high with a low MCV in thalassemia trait. In iron deficiency the MCV can be low, but the red count is also low. None of the other findings listed distinguish the two from one another.

Health Professions

You might also like to view...

What is the average respiratory rate for a newborn infant?

A. 19-26 breaths/min B. 25-40 breaths/min C. 30-60 breaths/min D. 50-80 breaths/min

Health Professions

Shock can best be described as:

A) hypotension. B) a decrease in myocardial contractility. C) decreased cardiac output. D) a state of inadequate tissue perfusion.

Health Professions

What is the effect of the magnifying glass tools?

What will be an ideal response?

Health Professions

The broad-bladed knife that is shaped like a kidney is the ____________

a. Orban b. Kirkland c. Bard-Parker d. none of the above

Health Professions