Question

Laboratory studies are performed on a child suspected of iron deficiency anemia. The nurse reviews the laboratory results, knowing that which of the following would indicate this type of anemia?

a) Elevated ferritin levels
b) Increased hemoglobin and hematocrit
c) Low serum iron and ferritin levels
d) Elevated red blood cell count

Answer 1

Laboratory indicators of iron deficiency anemia in a child include low serum iron and ferritin levels. This is because iron is crucial for the production of heme and hemoglobin, which are essential for oxygen transport in the blood.

Step-by-step explanation:

In the context of a child suspected of iron deficiency anemia, the laboratory findings that would indicate this type of anemia are low serum iron and ferritin levels. Iron deficiency anemia is characterized by a decreased production of red blood cells due to a lack of sufficient available iron, which is necessary for heme production, a component of hemoglobin. With insufficient hemoglobin, red blood cells cannot carry oxygen effectively, leading to symptoms such as weakness, fatigue, and pallor.

When examining laboratory results for iron deficiency anemia, elevated levels of ferritin, increased hemoglobin and hematocrit, or an elevated red blood cell count would typically not be supportive of this diagnosis. Instead, one would expect to see c) Low serum iron and ferritin levels in a patient with iron deficiency anemia, as this reflects the body's depleted iron stores.