Question

A 63-year-old man presents with progressive fatigue and exertional dyspnoea. Full blood count shows Hb 86 g/L, MCV 72 fL, ferritin low, and he has a positive faecal occult blood test. What is the most appropriate next step in management?

Accepted Answer

Arrange urgent bidirectional endoscopy to investigate GI blood loss

Answer

Start oral iron only and review in 6 months

Answer

Offer reassurance and repeat bloods in 1 year

Answer

Start erythropoietin injections

Answer

Refer for bone marrow biopsy

Practice question

A 63-year-old man presents with progressive fatigue and exertional dyspnoea. Full blood count shows Hb 86 g/L, MCV 72 fL, ferritin low, and he has a positive faecal occult blood test. What is the most appropriate next step in management?