Question

A 55-year-old woman presents with tiredness. Blood tests show haemoglobin 9.8 g per dL, mean cell volume 72 fL and ferritin 6 micrograms per litre. She is post-menopausal with no heavy menstrual bleeding. What is the most appropriate initial management?

Accepted Answer

Start oral Ferrous sulphate and refer for urgent upper and lower gastrointestinal investigation

Answer

Start oral Ferrous sulphate and review in 3 months with no further investigation

Answer

Arrange urgent bone marrow biopsy

Answer

Start oral Folic acid only

Answer

Reassure as this is normal for her age

Practice question

A 55-year-old woman presents with tiredness. Blood tests show haemoglobin 9.8 g per dL, mean cell volume 72 fL and ferritin 6 micrograms per litre. She is post-menopausal with no heavy menstrual bleeding. What is the most appropriate initial management?