Question

A nurse practitioner reviewed the blood work of a male patient suspected of having microcytic anemia. The nurse suspected occult bleeding. Identify the laboratory result that would indicate this initial stage of iron deficiency.

a) Serum ferritin: 15 ng/mL
b) Total iron-binding capacity: 300 ?g/dL
c) Serum iron: 100 ?g/dL
d) Hemoglobin: 16 g/dL

Answer 1

The laboratory result that would indicate the initial stage of iron deficiency in a male patient with suspected occult bleeding is serum ferritin: 15 ng/mL.

Step-by-step explanation:

The laboratory result that would indicate the initial stage of iron deficiency in a male patient with suspected occult bleeding is serum ferritin: 15 ng/mL. Serum ferritin is a protein that stores iron, and a low level of serum ferritin indicates a depletion of iron stores. This is a common finding in iron deficiency anemia.