MCH 101 Exam 1 V2 | Anemia, Depression,
and Influenza Insights | William Paterson
University
1. Which lab value is most indicative of iron deficiency anemia when reviewing a patient’s
Complete Blood Count (CBC)?
A. Elevated White Blood Cell count
B. Normal Mean Corpuscular Volume (MCV)
C. Increased Platelet count
D. Decreased Hemoglobin and Hematocrit
Correct Answer: D
Expert Explanation: Iron deficiency anemia is primarily characterized by a drop in
hemoglobin and hematocrit levels. This occurs because the body lacks enough iron to
produce the heme portion of hemoglobin. In a clinical setting, these values are the first
indicators used to screen for oxygen-carrying capacity deficits.
2. A patient diagnosed with Vitamin B12 deficiency anemia (Pernicious Anemia) lacks which
necessary component for absorption?
A. Hydrochloric acid
B. Bile salts
C. Intrinsic factor
,D. Pancreatic amylase
Correct Answer: C
Expert Explanation: Intrinsic factor is a glycoprotein produced by the parietal cells of the
stomach lining. It is essential for the absorption of Vitamin B12 in the terminal ileum.
Without intrinsic factor, patients cannot absorb B12 regardless of their dietary intake,
leading to megaloblastic changes.
3. Which of the following symptoms is a hallmark physical sign of severe chronic anemia?
A. Bradycardia
B. Hypertension
C. Increased urinary output
D. Pallor of the mucous membranes
Correct Answer: D
Expert Explanation: Pallor occurs in anemia because of reduced hemoglobin levels and
subsequent vasoconstriction to divert blood to vital organs. This is most easily observed in
the conjunctiva, nail beds, and oral mucosa. It is a key physical assessment finding taught in
introductory health courses.
4. What is the primary mechanism of action for Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors
(SSRIs) in treating depression?
A. They decrease the production of dopamine
, B. They block the reabsorption of serotonin in the brain
C. They increase the breakdown of norepinephrine
D. They stimulate the adrenal glands directly
Correct Answer: B
Expert Explanation: SSRIs work by inhibiting the reuptake of serotonin into the
presynaptic neuron, making more serotonin available in the synaptic cleft. This increased
availability helps improve mood and emotional regulation. They are generally considered
first-line pharmacological treatments for Major Depressive Disorder.
5. Which screening tool is most commonly used in primary care to assess the severity of
depressive symptoms?
A. PHQ-9
B. Glasgow Coma Scale
C. Apgar Score
D. Braden Scale
Correct Answer: A
Expert Explanation: The Patient Health Questionnaire-9 (PHQ-9) is a validated 9-item tool
used to screen for and monitor the severity of depression. It aligns with DSM-5 criteria and
asks patients about symptoms over the past two weeks. Scores help clinicians determine if
treatment interventions or referrals are necessary.
and Influenza Insights | William Paterson
University
1. Which lab value is most indicative of iron deficiency anemia when reviewing a patient’s
Complete Blood Count (CBC)?
A. Elevated White Blood Cell count
B. Normal Mean Corpuscular Volume (MCV)
C. Increased Platelet count
D. Decreased Hemoglobin and Hematocrit
Correct Answer: D
Expert Explanation: Iron deficiency anemia is primarily characterized by a drop in
hemoglobin and hematocrit levels. This occurs because the body lacks enough iron to
produce the heme portion of hemoglobin. In a clinical setting, these values are the first
indicators used to screen for oxygen-carrying capacity deficits.
2. A patient diagnosed with Vitamin B12 deficiency anemia (Pernicious Anemia) lacks which
necessary component for absorption?
A. Hydrochloric acid
B. Bile salts
C. Intrinsic factor
,D. Pancreatic amylase
Correct Answer: C
Expert Explanation: Intrinsic factor is a glycoprotein produced by the parietal cells of the
stomach lining. It is essential for the absorption of Vitamin B12 in the terminal ileum.
Without intrinsic factor, patients cannot absorb B12 regardless of their dietary intake,
leading to megaloblastic changes.
3. Which of the following symptoms is a hallmark physical sign of severe chronic anemia?
A. Bradycardia
B. Hypertension
C. Increased urinary output
D. Pallor of the mucous membranes
Correct Answer: D
Expert Explanation: Pallor occurs in anemia because of reduced hemoglobin levels and
subsequent vasoconstriction to divert blood to vital organs. This is most easily observed in
the conjunctiva, nail beds, and oral mucosa. It is a key physical assessment finding taught in
introductory health courses.
4. What is the primary mechanism of action for Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors
(SSRIs) in treating depression?
A. They decrease the production of dopamine
, B. They block the reabsorption of serotonin in the brain
C. They increase the breakdown of norepinephrine
D. They stimulate the adrenal glands directly
Correct Answer: B
Expert Explanation: SSRIs work by inhibiting the reuptake of serotonin into the
presynaptic neuron, making more serotonin available in the synaptic cleft. This increased
availability helps improve mood and emotional regulation. They are generally considered
first-line pharmacological treatments for Major Depressive Disorder.
5. Which screening tool is most commonly used in primary care to assess the severity of
depressive symptoms?
A. PHQ-9
B. Glasgow Coma Scale
C. Apgar Score
D. Braden Scale
Correct Answer: A
Expert Explanation: The Patient Health Questionnaire-9 (PHQ-9) is a validated 9-item tool
used to screen for and monitor the severity of depression. It aligns with DSM-5 criteria and
asks patients about symptoms over the past two weeks. Scores help clinicians determine if
treatment interventions or referrals are necessary.
