Question

A patient has suspected iron-deficiency anemia. The nurse monitors the patient and reports which of the following findings supporting this diagnosis?

1) Elevated transferrin level
2) Elevated oxygenation saturation
3) Urine tests positive for protein
4) Increased hemoglobin level

Answer 1

The clinical finding that supports a diagnosis of iron-deficiency anemia is elevated transferrin levels, which indicate the body's attempt to compensate for decreased iron availability.

Step-by-step explanation:

A patient with suspected iron-deficiency anemia is being monitored for specific clinical findings. The presence of elevated transferrin levels is a common indicator supporting this diagnosis. Transferrin is a blood plasma protein that transports iron through the blood, and its levels can rise as the body attempts to compensate for decreased iron availability, trying to maximize iron transport to the tissues. This occurs because the physiological functions of iron include oxygen transport, cellular respiration, and being an essential component of hemoglobin and various enzymes. Conversely, findings such as elevated oxygenation saturation, urine testing positive for protein, or increased hemoglobin levels would not typically support the diagnosis of iron-deficiency anemia, as anemia is generally characterized by reduced oxygen-carrying capacity and decreased hemoglobin.