Family Nurse Practitioner Exam

What condition is characterized by a bone marrow producing small, pale red blood cells?

1. Iron-deficiency anemia

2. Beta thalassemia minor

3. Lead poisoning anemia

4. Sickle cell anemia

The correct answer is: Beta thalassemia minor

Beta thalassemia minor is characterized by the production of small, pale red blood cells due to an inherited defect in hemoglobin synthesis. In this condition, the body produces an inadequate amount of the beta globin chain of hemoglobin, leading to microcytic (smaller than normal) and hypochromic (paler than normal) red blood cells. This is a genetic disorder and typically results in mild anemia. The specific alteration in hemoglobin production affects the overall morphology of the red blood cells, making them smaller and less vibrant in color compared to normal red blood cells. This condition can often be detected through a complete blood count and a peripheral blood smear, which will show the characteristic features of the red blood cells. Understanding the way beta thalassemia minor presents helps differentiate it from other types of anemia, which may have different underlying causes and presentations. For example, iron-deficiency anemia also leads to microcytic, hypochromic red blood cells, but it primarily arises from a lack of adequate iron for hemoglobin production rather than a genetic mutation. Lead poisoning anemia often presents with basophilic stippling of red cells and other specific features due to lead exposure rather than a primary defect in hemoglobin production.