Define anemia.

• A. A rapid heartbeat.
• B. A lower than normal number of red blood cells or hemoglobin.
• C. A high white blood cell count.
• D. A decreased platelet count.

Answer: (B)

Anemia is a condition where there aren’t enough healthy red blood cells or enough hemoglobin to carry enough oxygen to the body’s tissues. Red blood cells contain hemoglobin, the protein that binds oxygen in the lungs and releases it as blood flows through the body. When the red blood cell count or the hemoglobin level falls below the normal range, tissues don’t get the oxygen they need, which can cause fatigue, shortness of breath, and other symptoms.

The rapid heartbeat can occur as the heart tries to compensate for lower oxygen delivery, but it’s a response, not the definition. A high white blood cell count points to infection or inflammation, not anemia. A decreased platelet count affects clotting, not oxygen transport.