CASE STUDY

A 22-year-old patient (gravida 2, para 1) is beginning prenatal care. She had a positive home pregnancy test result 1 week ago. Per the patient’s last menstrual period, the pregnancy is at 12 weeks and 3 days of gestation. The patient has no known chronic medical conditions and is inquiring about recommended first-trimester screening tests, including iron deficiency anemia.

CASE STUDY QUESTIONS

1. Which of the following risk factors would increase suspicion for asymptomatic first-trimester iron deficiency anemia in this patient?

• A. Eating a diet low in iron-rich foods.

• B. Using tobacco.

• C. Being of Black race or Mexican American ethnicity.

• D. Living at a high altitude.

• E. Having a short interval between pregnancies.

2. Which one of the following statements best describes the US Preventive Services Task Force (USPSTF) recommendation on screening for iron deficiency or iron deficiency anemia?

• A. There is convincing evidence that early detection results in improved maternal and fetal outcomes.

• B. Patients should not be screened because sufficient evidence exists to suggest screening could result in maternal or fetal harm.

• C. Only patients with symptoms of iron deficiency should be screened, which allows for earlier treatment to reduce the risk of poor maternal or fetal outcomes.

• D. Physicians should use clinical judgment when deciding to screen patients.