Hematopathology: practice question

A Pathology question in the style of the NEET PG paper. Answer it first, then read why the right option is right and why each of the others is wrong.

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Pathology · Hematopathology

Sample item

What is a common blood-film feature in iron deficiency anemia?

Original practice item, not a recalled exam question. Nothing here is recorded.

The answer and the reasoning

A. Hypochromic microcytes

Iron deficiency impairs hemoglobin synthesis, producing small pale red cells described as microcytic and hypochromic on peripheral blood film.

Option by option

  • A. Hypochromic microcytes (correct)

    Correct: iron deficiency causes microcytic hypochromic cells.

  • B. Spherocytes

    Spherocytes are associated with membrane disorders or immune hemolysis.

  • C. Macro-ovalocytes

    Macro-ovalocytes suggest megaloblastic anemia.

  • D. Schistocytes

    Schistocytes suggest mechanical red-cell fragmentation.

Source note: Original NextPrep sample item — pending expert review. This item is original practice material awaiting independent expert review, so confirm important facts in a standard textbook.

More Pathology questions

Questions about this Pathology question

What is the answer to this Pathology question?

The best answer is A, Hypochromic microcytes. Iron deficiency impairs hemoglobin synthesis, producing small pale red cells described as microcytic and hypochromic on peripheral blood film.

Why is "Spherocytes" not the answer?

Spherocytes are associated with membrane disorders or immune hemolysis.

Why is "Macro-ovalocytes" not the answer?

Macro-ovalocytes suggest megaloblastic anemia.

Why is "Schistocytes" not the answer?

Schistocytes suggest mechanical red-cell fragmentation.

What concept does this question test?

It tests Hematopathology in Pathology. The correct option holds because: Correct: iron deficiency causes microcytic hypochromic cells.

How hard is this question?

We tag it as an application question: it asks you to use a fact on a patient or a finding. The tag is our own editorial judgement, not an official difficulty rating, so read the reason for every option, not only the answer.

How should I study Hematopathology?

Learn each disease as a bundle: cause, key histology, markers, and the clinical hallmark. Then use the flashcards and the other Pathology questions on this site to test what stuck.

Is this a real NEET PG question?

No. It is an original practice item (editorial status: sample, version 1). NextPrep does not publish recalled or leaked questions, and independent faculty review of this item has not been completed yet, so confirm important facts in a standard textbook.