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Iron deficiency anemia — USMLE Step 3 MCQ

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ModerateAmbulatory Medicine / Primary CareIron deficiency anemiaUSMLE Step 3

A 59-year-old man reports fatigue and reduced exercise tolerance. Hemoglobin is 10.2 g/dL, mean corpuscular volume is 72 fL, ferritin is 8 ng/mL, and stool guaiac is positive. He takes no anticoagulants and has no abdominal pain. Which of the following is the most appropriate next step in management?

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Correct answer: E — Refer for bidirectional endoscopy

Adult men with iron deficiency anemia require evaluation for gastrointestinal blood loss, including colonoscopy and upper endoscopy.

Reference: American Gastroenterological Association iron deficiency anemia guideline: https://gastro.org/