Question

A 35-year-old woman presents with early pregnancy symptoms. She missed her period and experienced fatigue; she has also been experiencing morning episodes of nausea and vomiting. However, pregnancy tests performed at home and in the office are negative. Ultrasound imaging supports a partial molar pregnancy diagnosis. Additional physical examination reveals pallor, bleeding gums, conjunctive inflammation, and corkscrew hair.

A blood test will most probably indicate low levels of what compound?

1 Iron
2 Protein
3 Folic acid
4 Retinol
5 Vitamin C

Answer 1

The blood test for the woman with symptoms of a partial molar pregnancy and physical examination findings of pallor, bleeding gums, conjunctive inflammation, and corkscrew hair will probably indicate low levels of Vitamin C.

Step-by-step explanation:

The symptoms described in the clinical scenario—pallor, bleeding gums, conjunctive inflammation, and corkscrew hair—are characteristic of scurvy, which is a result of a deficiency in Vitamin C (ascorbic acid). The blood test for this 35-year-old woman, who exhibits early pregnancy symptoms and has been diagnosed with a partial molar pregnancy, will most probably indicate low levels of Vitamin C. Vitamin C is essential for the synthesis of collagen, and a deficiency can lead to symptoms like bleeding gums and corkscrew hair due to weakened connective tissue.

It is important to note that the other compounds listed, such as iron, protein, folic acid, and retinol, may also be evaluated based on the woman's symptoms and health status, but the given physical examination findings are specifically associated with Vitamin C deficiency.