A nurse in a clinic is evaluating a client for suspected anemia. Which laboratory result would indicate anemia?

• A. Iron 90 mcg/dL
• B. RBC 6.5 million/uL
• C. WBC 4,800/mm3
• D. Hgb 10 g/dL

Answer: (D)

Anemia is defined by a reduced ability of the blood to carry oxygen, which is most directly shown by a low hemoglobin level. In adults, normal hemoglobin is generally about 12–16 g/dL for women and 14–18 g/dL for men; a value of 10 g/dL falls well below that range and indicates anemia. The other results don’t point to anemia: a normal or high iron level doesn’t confirm iron deficiency, a high red blood cell count isn’t typical of anemia, and a normal white blood cell count doesn’t address red blood cell–related oxygen transport. So the hemoglobin value of 10 g/dL best signals anemia because it reflects the diminished capacity to carry oxygen.