American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC) Practice Exam 2025 - Free ANCC Practice Questions and Study Guide.

In the early stages of iron deficiency anemia, the blood studies typically reveal microcytic hypochromic red blood cells. This is due to insufficient iron, which is essential for the production of hemoglobin. Without adequate iron, red blood cells become smaller in size (microcytic) and have a reduced concentration of hemoglobin, leading to a paler appearance (hypochromic). These changes reflect the body's response to diminished iron stores and the resulting impact on erythropoiesis (red blood cell production).

The other options refer to different types of anemia with distinct characteristics. Macrocytic normochromic indicates larger than normal red blood cells, commonly seen in conditions such as vitamin B12 or folate deficiency. Normochromic normocytic anemia is characterized by red blood cells that are normal in size and color, which is typically observed in cases of chronic disease. Pancytopenic hypocytic refers to a reduction in all three blood cell types (red cells, white cells, and platelets) with small red cells, often seen in more severe or advanced cases of bone marrow pathology rather than in early iron deficiency.