Mrs. Smith, a 65-year-old female, presents to the clinic complaining of fatigue, weakness, and shortness of breath on exertion

Mrs. Smith, a 65-year-old female, presents to the clinic complaining of fatigue, weakness, and shortness of breath on exertion for the past few weeks. She reports no significant changes in her diet or exercise routine but mentions a history of heavy menstrual periods. On examination, Mrs. Smith appears pale, with conjunctival pallor noted. Her heart rate is slightly elevated, and there is mild tachypnea. You determine normal heart and lung sounds. You take note of her condition and complaint and send her to the lab for blood testing. Laboratory findings reveal the following – Hemoglobin level of 9 g/dL Hematocrit of 28% Serum ferritin levels are markedly decreased at 8 ng/mL