Question

question 29 (mandatory) (1 point) listen a 64 - year - old female patient presents with pallor, fatigue, and shortness of breath. lab work reveals low serum iron, elevated crp, and low tibc. which of the following is the most likely diagnosis? a) chronic iron deficiency b) myocardial infarction c) anemia of chronic disease d) pernicious anemia

Explanation:

• Chronic iron deficiency: In chronic iron deficiency, TIBC (Total Iron - Binding Capacity) is usually elevated, not low. So this option is incorrect.
• Myocardial infarction: Symptoms of myocardial infarction typically include chest pain (often described as crushing or pressure - like), radiating pain (to the left arm, jaw, etc.), and specific cardiac enzyme elevations (like troponin, CK - MB). Pallor, fatigue, and shortness of breath are not the primary and most characteristic symptoms, and the lab values (low serum iron, elevated CRP, low TIBC) do not align with myocardial infarction.
• Anemia of chronic disease: In anemia of chronic disease (ACD), there is often a chronic inflammatory state (which can cause elevated CRP). The body sequesters iron, leading to low serum iron. Also, in ACD, TIBC is typically low. The symptoms of pallor, fatigue, and shortness of breath (due to reduced oxygen - carrying capacity of the blood) are consistent with anemia.
• Pernicious anemia: Pernicious anemia is due to a lack of intrinsic factor leading to vitamin B12 deficiency. It is not associated with the pattern of low serum iron, elevated CRP, and low TIBC.

Answer:

C. Anemia of chronic disease