A 55-year-old man reports tiredness and exertional dyspnoea. FBC shows Hb 88 g/L, MCV 70 fL and low ferritin. He has no obvious bleeding history but r...

Question

A 55-year-old man reports tiredness and exertional dyspnoea. FBC shows Hb 88 g/L, MCV 70 fL and low ferritin. He has no obvious bleeding history but reports a change in bowel habit. What is the most appropriate next step?

Accepted Answer

Urgent two-week-wait referral for suspected colorectal cancer

Answer

Start oral iron and review in 6 months

Answer

Reassure that this is dietary and treat with iron only

Answer

Arrange colonoscopy routinely within 1 year

Answer

Refer for bone marrow biopsy

uk-plab-1 MCQ (SBA): Iron deficiency anaemia

A 55-year-old man reports tiredness and exertional dyspnoea. FBC shows Hb 88 g/L, MCV 70 fL and low ferritin. He has no obvious bleeding history but reports a change in bowel habit. What is the most appropriate next step?