Anemias USMLE Step 1 Practice Question
A 67-year-old man with chronic kidney disease (creatinine 3.2 mg/dL) presents with progressive dyspnea and fatigue. Vital signs show BP 148/92 mmHg, HR 102/min, RR 22/min, SpO2 96% on room air. Hemoglobin is 8.4 g/dL with inappropriately low reticulocyte count (0.8%). MCV is 88 fL (normocytic). Iron studies and B12 levels are normal. He denies bleeding or melena. Which of the following is the most likely cause of his anemia?
Answer choices
- AAnemia of chronic disease
- BHemolytic anemia
- CFolate deficiency
- DIron deficiency anemia
- EErythropoietin deficiencyCorrect answer
- FBone marrow aplasia from uremic toxins
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