QuestionSBA
QuestionChoice
Anaemia is indicated by low haemoglobin. Iron deficiency anaemia is a microcytic anaemia, so you would expect to see a low MCV. Low ferritin and high iron binding capacity are expected in iron deficiency anaemia. Additionally, classic symptom presentation is described in the question stem.
10004861
a
Iron deficiency anaemia
QuestionChoice
Sickle cell disease causes a microcytic anaemia upon investigation, so would fit the low MCV described in the question stem. However, you would expect to see other clues in the history such as pain from the vaso-occlusive crisis. Low iron and ferritin would not be associated with sickle cell disease.
10004863
c
Sickle cell disease
QuestionChoice
Although the patient has anaemia denoted by their low haemoglobin, pernicious anaemia causes high MCV, and would not have an affected on iron levels. You would expect to see a low vitamin B12 serum level and a low or normal folic acid serum level.
10004862
b
Pernicious anaemia
QuestionChoice
Low haemoglobin indicates anaemia, and would not indicate a deep vein thrombosis (DVT). DVT refers to the intra-luminal occlusion of any vein within the deep system of a limb (either arm or leg) or the pelvis. You would expect to see symptoms of a unilateral warm, swollen calf and pitting oedema.
10004865
e
Deep Vein Thrombosis (DVT)
QuestionChoice
Chronic liver disease is associated with a megaloblastic anaemia, which would lead to raised MCV. Heavier periods and clues about iron should point towards an iron deficiency anaemia instead.
10004864
d
Chronic liver disease
Concept
Chapter
2693
3794
Iron deficiency anaemia
Topic
157
Haematology
13519
A 35 year old woman presents to the GP complaining of tiredness, weakness and lethargy. She mentions she has heavy periods.

A full blood count is obtained, and the following results are noted: Low haemoglobin, low mean cellular volume (MCV), low ferritin and high iron binding capacity.

What is the most likely cause of this patient's presentation?
a