Non Malignant Heme

Question 1

Which of the following groups requires the highest daily dietary iron intake?
a. Menstruating females
b. Pregnant females
c. Adult males

Answer 1

b. Pregnant females. This population as well as children requires the highest amounts of daily iron (more than 18mg daily)

Question 2

Which of the following lab values would be indicative of an iron deficiency anemia?
a. Normal Hgb
b. High MCV
c. Low reticulocyte count
d. Decreased TIBC

Answer 2

c. Low reticulocyte count.
Lab values:
*Decreased Hgb
*Low MCV
*Low reticulocyte count
*Decreased serum iron, ferritin and transferrin saturation
*Increased TIBC

Question 3

Select all of the following that help increase iron absorption:
a. Calcium
b. Low gastric pH
c. High gastric pH
d. Ascorbic acid

Answer 3

b. Low gastric pH (high acidity)
d. Ascorbic acid (vitamin C)

Question 4

True or false: Slow release, sustained release and enteric coated iron products generally have similar absorption to immediate release iron products

Answer 4

False. Reduced compared to immediate release iron products

Question 5

What is the recommended dose of elemental iron in patients with iron deficiency anemia?

Answer 5

150-200 mg of elemental iron in 2-3 divided doses

Question 6

When should iron be taken?
a. With meals
b. 30 mins after a meal
c. 30 mins before a meal
d. 1 hour before a meal

Answer 6

d. 1 hour before a meal. Best administration. However, in patients experiencing significant GI upset, they may take with a small snack