The complete blood count of a client admitted with anemia reveals that the red blood cells are hypochromic and microcytic. The nurse recognizes that the client has:

Aplastic anemia Iron-deficiency anemiaPernicious anemiaHemolytic anemia

Explanation.

With iron-deficiency anemia the RBCs are described as hypochromic and microcytic. Answer A is incorrect because the RBCs would be normochromic and normocytic but would be reduced in number. Answer C is incorrect because the RBCs would be normochromic and macrocytic. Answer D refers to anemias due to an abnormal shape or shortened life span of the RBCs rather than the color or size of the RBC; therefore it is incorrect.