Family Nurse Practitioner Exam

Which population is most likely to be affected by alpha thalassemia anemia?

1. 62-year-old Russian patient

2. 25-year-old Chinese patient

3. 38-year-old African American patient

4. 53-year-old Greek patient

The correct answer is: 25-year-old Chinese patient

Alpha thalassemia anemia is a genetic blood disorder that is particularly prevalent in certain populations, especially those of Southeast Asian descent, including individuals from China. This condition arises from the deficiency of alpha-globin chains in hemoglobin, leading to varying degrees of anemia. The choice of a 25-year-old Chinese patient reflects the demographic most commonly associated with alpha thalassemia. Southeast Asian populations, including Chinese individuals, are known to have a higher carrier rate for this condition compared to populations in other regions, such as Europe or Africa. The genetic mutation responsible for alpha thalassemia is often passed down within families, making younger individuals of affected ethnic backgrounds more likely to present with this condition. In contrast, the other populations listed, such as the Russian, African American, and Greek patients, do not share the same high prevalence of alpha thalassemia. While thalassemias can occur in various ethnic groups, the incidence and impact differ significantly, with the highest frequencies typically found in Southeast Asians and individuals from Mediterranean regions for beta thalassemia, rather than alpha thalassemia.