Rhonda visits her MD because she is feeling constantly tired. After a thorough case history involving questions about her diet, her MD takes a blood sample. Results
indicate that her hemoglobin level is at 7g/100ml of blood (normal levels are 12-
18g/100ml of blood).
Based on the results of Rhonda's bloodwork:

a) What condition might Rhonda have ?

b) Why would Rhonda's low hemoglobin level cause her to feel tired ?

c) Rhonda's MD asked about iron intake (eg. from meat) in her diet? Explain why.

a) Rhonda might have anemia

b) Rhonda feels tired because her blood is unable to transport enough oxygen

c) Iron is required by the blood cells for the formation of hemoglobin

Explanation:

a. A low hemoglobin level is referred to as anemia or low red blood count. From her blood test results, Rhonda has below normal levels of hemoglobin. This indicates she might have anemia.

b) The primary work of hemoglobin in blood is to transport oxygen from the lungs to the cells that need it for metabolic activities. When the ability of the blood to transport blood is impaired due to low hemoglobin levels, fatigue and tiredness sets in since enough oxygen is not present for cellular respiration and production of ATP.

c) Hemoglobin is an iron-rich protein that helps red blood cells carry oxygen from the lungs to the rest of the body. If iron intake is not sufficient, anemia could result. Therefore, it is important that iron-rich meals are incorporated into our diet.

So her MD would need to know how much of iron she has been having in her diet.

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