Microcytic anemia
Pathology · Topic 14
Source: NMC CBME Curriculum 2024 · Volume I · Pathology · Topic 14 · combined PDF page 191
Practice questions
- Which description best defines microcytic anemia?
- A patient has microcytic hypochromic anemia. Which set best represents the major biological mechanisms that can produce this pattern?
- In a child with newly recognized microcytic anemia, which cause is most frequent?
- Which causes are specifically emphasized as common considerations in adults with microcytic anemia?
- A child has microcytic anemia and borderline iron-status results. Which approach to diagnosing iron deficiency is supported by the pediatric review?
- A child is confirmed to have iron deficiency. Which group of causes should be investigated?
- A patient with chronic inflammation has microcytosis and laboratory features that partly resemble iron deficiency. Which interpretation is most appropriate?
- Which statement best describes the role of iron-status tests in distinguishing iron deficiency from other microcytic states?
- Which finding is described as the most definitive test for distinguishing iron deficiency from other microcytic states in the cited review?
- A clinician uses a mathematical red-cell index to distinguish iron deficiency anemia from thalassemia trait. Which conclusion about such indices is best supported?
- In a meta-analysis comparing indices for iron deficiency anemia versus thalassemia trait, which index showed the best overall performance?
- Which statement about the RDW-based Bessman index is supported by the meta-analysis of microcytosis indices?
- A laboratory applies discriminant indices to adults and children with microcytosis. What age-related performance pattern was reported in the meta-analysis?
- A hematology analyzer reports RBC count, MCV, reticulocyte count, RDW-SD, and zinc protoporphyrin in a patient with microcytosis. What is the most appropriate interpretation of using these parameters to separate iron deficiency from thalassemia?
- A patient has persistent microcytosis but iron deficiency is not demonstrated. Which next diagnostic direction is most appropriate according to the pediatric review?
- Which statement best summarizes the classification of inherited microcytic anemia described in the molecular review?
- A frail older adult has microcytic anemia, low circulating iron, and evidence of reduced iron reserves. Which description best fits the pattern emphasized in the recent review?
- An older adult has microcytic anemia, but routine assessment leaves uncertainty about iron status. What role does the recent review assign to newer biomarkers such as soluble transferrin receptor?
- A child with iron deficiency begins iron replacement. Which follow-up schedule is recommended in the cited pediatric review?
- At the end of a course of iron treatment, a child still has un-repleted iron stores. Which response is most appropriate?
- A child's iron stores fall again three months after iron treatment has stopped. Which investigation is specifically recommended?
- A patient with substantial iron loss is being treated for iron deficiency anemia. Which principle of replacement is emphasized in the cited review?
- A patient with iron deficiency anemia cannot tolerate oral iron and has malabsorption. Which approach is supported by the cited management review?
- A child has chronic gastrointestinal blood loss from colonic hemangiomas and develops microcytic anemia. Which mechanism most directly explains the anemia?
- A patient has refractory microcytic anemia, diabetes, low serum iron, low copper and ceruloplasmin, and neurologic symptoms. Which uncommon diagnosis is suggested by this combination in the cited case report?
- A patient with aceruloplasminemia has refractory microcytic anemia and neurologic symptoms. Which treatment was reported to improve anemia and cerebellar symptoms in the cited case report?
- Which statement about iron homeostasis is supported by the molecular review of inherited microcytic anemia?
- A child has microcytic anemia, and initial assessment suggests iron deficiency. Which additional point is important when interpreting the iron-store results?
- An adult with microcytosis has a discriminant index result favoring thalassemia trait. What is the best next interpretation?