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In full-term infants, Hb nadir is approximately 2^2 g/dL in patients 2^2 days old

a) 10 g/dL, 3 days old
b) 8 g/dL, 5 days old
c) 12 g/dL, 10 days old
d) 6 g/dL, 7 days old

1 Answer

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Final answer:

The Hb nadir refers to the lowest concentration of hemoglobin in full-term infants after birth, which occurs as fetal hemoglobin is replaced by adult forms. The question seems to revolve around what the hemoglobin level could be at a specified age in days post-birth. Option b.

Step-by-step explanation:

Hemoglobin Nadir in Full-Term Infants

The concept of Hb nadir refers to the lowest point of hemoglobin concentration in the blood after birth. In full-term infants, this natural decrease in hemoglobin levels occurs because fetal hemoglobin is being replaced by adult forms of hemoglobin. The process is normal, and levels will eventually stabilize as the infant's production of erythrocytes adjusts to postnatal life. After this nadir period, it is expected that an infant's hemoglobin levels will recover to the normal range for infants, which, as per available information, should not be as low as seen in conditions such as iron deficiency anemia.

All options given relate to values of hemoglobin levels and the days post-birth of the infants. Considering that in the first week the weight of an infant might decrease due to resorption and urination of fluid in the lungs and that feeding might not be well established, it's likely hat a slight decrease in hemoglobin levels could also be a normal observation.

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