An 80 year old man is seen for an annual physical examination. He complains of shortness of breath on exertion and is often tired. His stool is black. Laboratory data are:

Haemoglobin: 8.2 g/dL

Haematocrit: 30%

White cell count: 4.2 x 109 one/L

White cell differential:

Neutrophils: 60%

Lymphocytes: 31%

Monocytes: 7%

Eosinophils: 2%

Basophils: 0%

Red cell count: 4.0 x 1012/L

RDW: 20%

Platelet count: 400 x 109/L

Reticulocyte count: 1.2%

Stool occult blood: Positive

1. How would you classify this anaemia morphologically?

2. What is the most probable type of anaemia seen in this patient?

3. What is the likely cause of the complaints of shortness of breath reported in this patient?
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