A 28-year old female presents for a routine physical. She has no complaints. Her personal medical history reveals asthma that is well controlled with an albuterol inhaler prn and Advair 250/50 1 puff BID. Social history reveals she is a nursing student who is a non-smoker, rarely uses alcohol, and is mostly vegetarian. Her physical exam is negative, and she is sent for a CBC/differential and lipid profile. Laboratory results reveal the following: Hemoglobin 10, Hematocrit 30.1, MCV increased.
To prepare:
· Review Chapter 237 in Part 21 of the Buttaro et al. text.
· Select one of the three case studies. Reflect on the provided patient information including history, physical exams, and lab reports.
· Think about a differential diagnosis. Consider the role the patient history, physical exam, and lab reports played in the diagnosis.
· Reflect on the pathophysiology of the type of anemia that you diagnosed, as well as potential treatment options. Consider the causes of this type of anemia. Think about whether the patient should be referred for specialized care.