CMLA Hematology Basics 4

Question 1

A reticulocyte count of 8% in a patient with hemolytic anemia indicates:

Accepted Answer

Appropriate bone marrow response

Answer

An elevated reticulocyte count in hemolytic anemia indicates the bone marrow is compensating by increasing red cell production.

Question 2

Which stain is used to identify reticulocytes in a blood smear?

Accepted Answer

New methylene blue

Answer

New methylene blue (supravital stain) precipitates residual RNA in reticulocytes, making them visible as blue-stained cells.

Question 3

What does MCV measure?

Accepted Answer

Average volume of a single red blood cell

Answer

MCV (Mean Corpuscular Volume) measures the average size (volume) of individual red blood cells in femtoliters.

Question 4

Schistocytes (red cell fragments) on a peripheral smear are MOST suggestive of:

Accepted Answer

Microangiopathic hemolytic anemia

Answer

Schistocytes result from mechanical fragmentation of RBCs in conditions like TTP, HUS, and DIC (microangiopathic hemolytic anemias).

Question 5

Which platelet count threshold typically requires transfusion to prevent spontaneous bleeding?

Accepted Answer

Below 20,000/μL

Answer

Platelet counts below 20,000/μL are associated with risk of spontaneous bleeding and often require prophylactic platelet transfusion.

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