A 68-year-old woman presents with fatigue and exertional dyspnoea. FBC shows Hb 92 g/L, MCV 70 fL and low ferritin. She has no obvious gastrointestina...

Question

A 68-year-old woman presents with fatigue and exertional dyspnoea. FBC shows Hb 92 g/L, MCV 70 fL and low ferritin. She has no obvious gastrointestinal symptoms. What is the most appropriate next step in evaluation?

Accepted Answer

Arrange colonoscopy (and usually upper GI endoscopy) to investigate for occult gastrointestinal blood loss

Answer

Start oral iron and review in 6 months without further investigation

Answer

Arrange faecal occult blood testing only

Answer

Arrange upper GI endoscopy only

Answer

No investigation is required because this is likely menopausal

au-amc MCQ (SBA): Iron deficiency anaemia in older adult

A 68-year-old woman presents with fatigue and exertional dyspnoea. FBC shows Hb 92 g/L, MCV 70 fL and low ferritin. She has no obvious gastrointestinal symptoms. What is the most appropriate next step in evaluation?