Problem
A 45-year-old woman phoned her physician and complained of fatigue, shortness of breath on exertion, and general malaise. She requested "B12 shots" to make her feel better. The physician asked the patient to schedule an appointment so that she could determine the cause of the symptoms before offering treatment. A point-of-care hemoglobin determination performed in the office was 9.0 g/dL. The physician then requested additional laboratory tests, including a complete blood count (CBC) with a reticulocyte count and a peripheral blood film examination.
i. Why did the patient think B12 shots would help her "feel better"?
ii. How do RBC indices and absolute reticulocyte count help classify her anemia?
iii. Describe the significant findings that would likely appear on the peripheral blood film.