A patient with anemia is found to have a reticulocyte count of 5% and a hemoglobin level of 8 g/dL. What is the most likely diagnosis?

A Iron deficiency anemia with adequate response to treatment
B Vitamin B12 deficiency anemia with ineffective erythropoiesis
C Anemia of chronic kidney disease with decreased erythropoietin production
D Hemolytic anemia with increased erythropoietic activity ✓

Explanation

A high reticulocyte count indicates increased erythropoietic activity, which is typically seen in hemolytic anemias where red blood cells are being produced at an increased rate to compensate for their premature destruction.

Source

Williams Hematology
Hematology Hematology: Anemia Hematology: Anemia Hard MEDICAL Confidence: high