An antenatal mother came to OPD with Hb-8.5 g% which of the following is true?

Appeared in: AIIMS Delhi NO- 2019

Explanation

The question requires classifying the severity of anemia in a pregnant woman with a hemoglobin (Hb) of 8.5 g/dL.
According to World Health Organization (WHO) guidelines for pregnant women, moderate anemia is defined as a hemoglobin level between 7.0 and 9.9 g/dL.
Since the patient's Hb level of 8.5 g/dL falls within this range, the correct classification is moderate anemia.

Option A: Mild anemia in pregnancy is defined as a hemoglobin level between 10.0 and 10.9 g/dL. The patient's value of 8.5 g/dL is below this range.
Option C: Severe anemia in pregnancy is defined as a hemoglobin level less than 7.0 g/dL. The patient's value of 8.5 g/dL is above this threshold.
Option D: A pregnant woman is considered not to have anemia if her hemoglobin level is 11.0 g/dL or higher. The patient's value of 8.5 g/dL is significantly lower than this.

Clinical Relevance

Nursing practice connection: This is primarily an exam-oriented knowledge point with limited direct bedside application, so retain Classification of anemia in pregnancy based on hemoglobin levels as background academic context rather than a clinical decision trigger.
Screening for anemia is a standard and crucial part of antenatal care. Anemia in pregnancy is associated with increased risks of preterm birth, low birth weight, and maternal morbidity.
Nurses play a key role in educating pregnant women about the importance of iron and folic acid supplementation, and dietary modifications to prevent and treat anemia.
What if? If the patient was in her third trimester with an Hb of 6.9 g/dL (severe anemia), immediate hospitalization for parenteral iron therapy or blood transfusion would be indicated to quickly raise her hemoglobin levels before delivery, reducing risks of postpartum hemorrhage and cardiac failure.

How to Approach the Question

First, identify the key information in the question: the patient is an 'antenatal mother' and her lab value is 'Hb-8.5 g%'.
Recognize that normal physiological ranges, including for hemoglobin, are different during pregnancy compared to non-pregnant states.
Recall the standard WHO classification for anemia severity in pregnant women.
Compare the given Hb value (8.5 g/dL) to the established ranges for mild, moderate, and severe anemia.
Select the option that correctly categorizes the patient's Hb level. In this case, 8.5 falls within the 7.0-9.9 g/dL range for moderate anemia.

Concept Tested & Keywords

Concept Tested: Classification of anemia in pregnancy based on hemoglobin levels.
Stem keywords: antenatal mother, Hb-8.5 g%
Lead-in keywords: which of the following is true
Clinical cues: Patient is pregnant, which alters the normal ranges for hemoglobin.
Clinical cues: The specific lab value (Hb 8.5 g%) is the key to determining the severity.

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E6 Comprehensive Textbook of Community Health NursingShyamala D part 1 (pp 26-389 of 389) p. 207-209

E6 Nutrition Monika Sharma 3e p. 320-322

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