A pregnant woman has an Hb level of 8.5 gm%. What stage of anemia is this?

Appeared in: AIIMS Delhi NO - 2018

Explanation

A hemoglobin (Hb) level of 8.5 gm% in a pregnant woman is classified as moderate anemia.
According to WHO guidelines, moderate anemia in pregnancy is defined by an Hb concentration between 7.0 and 9.9 gm%.
This level is significantly below the normal threshold for pregnancy (generally >11.0 gm%), indicating a need for medical intervention.
The patient's value of 8.5 gm% falls directly into the moderate category, making this the correct classification.

Option A: Mild anemia is defined as a hemoglobin level between 10.0 and 10.9 gm%. The patient's level of 8.5 gm% is too low for this classification.
Option C: Severe anemia is diagnosed when the hemoglobin level is less than 7.0 gm%. The patient's value of 8.5 gm% is above this threshold.
Option D: The normal hemoglobin range for a pregnant woman is generally considered to be 11.0 gm% or higher. An Hb of 8.5 gm% is significantly below this normal range and indicates anemia.

Clinical Relevance

Nursing practice connection: This is primarily an exam-oriented knowledge point with limited direct bedside application, so retain Classification of anemia severity during pregnancy based on hemoglobin levels as background academic context rather than a clinical decision trigger.
Screening for anemia is a crucial part of routine antenatal care, typically done at the first visit and repeated in later trimesters.
Moderate anemia in pregnancy increases the risk of complications such as preterm delivery, low birth weight, and postpartum hemorrhage. It requires prompt management with iron supplementation (oral or parenteral) and dietary counseling.
Nurses play a vital role in educating pregnant women about the importance of nutrition, iron and folic acid supplementation, and recognizing symptoms of anemia like fatigue, pallor, and shortness of breath.

How to Approach the Question

First, identify the key clinical value provided in the question: Hemoglobin (Hb) level is 8.5 gm%.
Next, note the specific patient population: a pregnant woman. This is critical because normal and anemic ranges differ in pregnancy.
Recall the standard medical classification for the severity of anemia during pregnancy as defined by organizations like the WHO.
Compare the patient's Hb value (8.5 gm%) to the established ranges: Mild (10.0-10.9 gm%), Moderate (7.0-9.9 gm%), and Severe (<7.0 gm%).
Determine which category the value 8.5 gm% falls into.
Select the option that correctly names this category.

Concept Tested & Keywords

Concept Tested: Classification of anemia severity during pregnancy based on hemoglobin levels.
Stem keywords: pregnant woman, Hb level, 8.5 gm%, anemia
Lead-in keywords: What stage
Clinical cues: Hb level of 8.5 gm% indicates a significant deviation from the normal range for pregnancy.

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