Teardrop-shaped RBCs are known as:

Appeared in: DSSSB October 2024

Explanation

Dacrocytes is the specific medical term for red blood cells that have a teardrop shape.
This shape typically results from mechanical stress on the cell, often as it passes through fibrotic bone marrow or the spleen.
The presence of dacrocytes is a key indicator of myelophthisis (marrow infiltration), most classically associated with primary myelofibrosis.
They can also be seen in other conditions such as severe iron deficiency, thalassemias, and myelodysplastic syndromes.

Option A: Elliptocytes are characterized by an oval or cigar shape, not a teardrop shape.
Option B: Drepanocytes are sickle-shaped or crescent-shaped cells, which is distinct from a teardrop shape.
Option C: Spherocytes are small, dense, spherical cells that lack the central pallor of a normal RBC. Their shape is not teardrop-like.

Clinical Relevance

Nursing practice connection: This is primarily an exam-oriented knowledge point with limited direct bedside application, so retain Identification of Red Blood Cell Morphology as background academic context rather than a clinical decision trigger.
Identifying the morphology of red blood cells on a peripheral blood smear is a fundamental diagnostic skill for nurses and lab technicians. It provides crucial clues to the underlying cause of a patient's anemia or other hematological disorder.
The presence of specific poikilocytes (abnormally shaped RBCs) like dacrocytes can prompt a more targeted investigation, such as a bone marrow biopsy to check for myelofibrosis or malignancy.
What if the smear showed schistocytes (fragmented RBCs) instead of dacrocytes? The clinical concern would shift dramatically from a marrow production problem to a life-threatening microangiopathic hemolytic anemia (like TTP or DIC), requiring immediate intervention.

How to Approach the Question

This is a factual recall question that tests your knowledge of medical terminology in hematology.
First, identify the key descriptor in the question stem, which is 'Teardrop-shaped RBCs'.
Next, systematically evaluate each option, recalling the specific shape associated with each term.
Elliptocytes are oval. Drepanocytes are sickle-shaped. Spherocytes are spherical.
Associate 'Dacrocytes' with the 'teardrop' shape. A mnemonic could be to think of a 'crying' or 'teary' dacrocyst (tear sac) to link 'dacro-' with 'teardrop'.
Select the option that correctly matches the description provided in the question.

Concept Tested & Keywords

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E6 Medicine Harrison 22e Part 1 pp. 488-490, 478-480

Practise the full DSSSB October 2024

Attempt every question from this paper in a timed mock, then review the full solution for each one.