Final answer:
A peripheral blood smear in Iron Deficiency Anemia typically exhibits hypochromic and microcytic red blood cells, aiding in the condition's diagnosis.
Step-by-step explanation:
The student's question relates to the observation seen in a peripheral blood smear of a patient with Iron Deficiency Anemia (IDA). In IDA, a peripheral blood smear typically shows red blood cells that are hypochromic (pale in color) and microcytic (smaller than normal), which are classic features of this anemia. These characteristics are due to the reduced hemoglobin content and consequently the decreased oxygen-carrying capacity of the red blood cells. The observation of such blood cells on a smear can aid in the diagnosis of IDA and is crucial in hematological analysis.