Ambulatory Care Nurse Certification Practice Exam 2026 - Free Practice Questions and Study Guide for Successful Certification

A Mean Corpuscular Volume (MCV) of 60 fL indicates that the red blood cells are smaller than the normal range, which suggests microcytic anemia. This measurement is a critical factor in diagnosing various types of anemia.

In this case, the most common cause of microcytic anemia is iron deficiency anemia. Iron is essential for hemoglobin production, and when the body lacks sufficient iron, the resulting red blood cells tend to be smaller and paler, leading to a decrease in MCV.

Understanding the relationship between MCV and the types of anemia helps in clinical assessment and treatment planning. While other forms of anemia, such as hemolytic or pernicious anemia, can present with different characteristics in MCV and red blood cell morphology, the specific low MCV in this scenario is strongly linked to iron deficiency.

This knowledge is vital for nurses working in ambulatory care settings, as it directs appropriate further laboratory testing, management decisions, and patient education regarding dietary intake and potential supplementation of iron. Additionally, recognizing the importance of MCV values in diagnosing and monitoring anemia can enhance patient outcomes through more tailored and effective treatment plans.