Anemia

1. Prioritize a differential diagnosis of anemia as it would be affected by varying age, sex, red cells indices, appearance of RBC's on peripheral smear and reticulocyte count.

2. List the minimal historical, physical and laboratory evaluation indicated before a patient is prescribed iron, folate or B-12 therapy.

3. Describe the outpatient monitoring, clinical response and follow-up of patients approximately treated with iron, folate or B-12 for anemia.

4. Describe the observed effect of the following conditions upon the hematocrit.

A. Pregnancy
B. Volume contraction
C. Severe COPD
D. Chronic renal failure
E. Chronic disease
F. G6PD deficiency
G. Pica
H. Advancing age

Sources:

Family Medicine:  Ambulatory Care and Prevention, Chapter 4, Pages 18-25

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