The reticulocyte response in patients with moderate anemia is often misinterpreted as adequate if:
a. The count is not expressed in absolute terms or corrected for anemia.
b. The red cell indices are not considered.
c. A bone marrow aspirate is not examined.
d. Red cell morphology is not considered.
ANS: A
If only the percentage of reticulocytes is considered, a patient may appear to be making an adequate response to anemia. However, when the red count is considered, and either the absolute reticulocyte count or the reticulocyte production index is calculated, a truer picture can be obtained regarding adequacy of bone marrow response.
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Give four examples of preventive medicine
What will be an ideal response?
You are responding to a call for a "person slumped behind the wheel of a car" on a quiet side street at 1 AM. How should you approach this car?
A) Pull up in front of the car, turn on all lights and the siren, and move quickly toward the vehicle. B) Pull up in front of the car, turn on all lights, and stay in the ambulance to determine scene safety. C) Pull up behind the car, use spotlights to "blind" the occupant, and approach cautiously until you perceive that there is no hostile intent. D) Park behind the car at a safe distance, remain in the ambulance, and wait for law enforcement to arrive and ensure scene safety.