Hematology and Oncology

Question 1

Hypochromic anemia

Answer 1

Low MCH or MCHC - red blood cells are deficient in hemoglobin concentration.
-Iron deficiency anemia

Question 2

Microcytic anemia

Answer 2

Low MCV - cells are smaller in size.

• Iron deficiency anemia
• Lead poisoning
• Thalassemia major and minor

Question 3

Macrocytic anemia

Answer 3

High MCV - cells are larger in size

• Pernicious anemia
• Folic acid deficiency (Methotrexate, phenytoin, and trimethoprim inhibit folate use)

Question 4

Normocytic anemia

Answer 4

Normal MCV - cells normal in size

-Hemorrhage

Question 5

RDW

Answer 5

Red blood cell distribution width

• Increased in iron deficiency anemaia
• normal in thalassemia

Question 6

Findings of Multiple Myeloma

Answer 6

Calcium elevation
Renal insufficiency
Anemia (normocytic)
Bone pain (lytic lesions)

“CRAB”

Question 7

HIT (Heparin induced thrombocytopenia)

Answer 7

Immune-mediated disorder resulting in platelet aggregation and thrombosis. HIT should be suspected clinically when platelet counts fall > 50% from baseline 5-14 days after starting heparin, in new-onset unexplained thrombocytopenia, or with thrombosis in patients recently treated with heparin.

1. Stop heparin
2. Diagnose via serotonin release assay
3. Begin direct thrombin inhibitor (ie argatroban) until platelets >150,000 then start transition to Warfarin.