Professional and Linguistic Assessments Board (PLAB) Practice Exam

Disable ads (and more) with a membership for a one time $2.99 payment

Prepare for the PLAB Test with interactive quizzes and comprehensive study materials. Use flashcards and multiple choice questions, each with hints and detailed explanations. Start studying today!

Each practice test/flash card set has 50 randomly selected questions from a bank of over 500. You'll get a new set of questions each time!

Practice this question and more.


What is the hemoglobin level indicative of anemia in the first or third trimester of pregnancy?

  1. Less than 12

  2. Less than 11

  3. Less than 10.5

  4. Less than 9

The correct answer is: Less than 11

During pregnancy, anemia is a common concern due to the increased demands for iron and other nutrients to support the growing fetus. The hemoglobin level that indicates anemia can vary slightly based on the trimester. In the context of the first and third trimesters, a hemoglobin level of less than 11 grams per deciliter is recognized as indicative of anemia. This threshold is set lower than the normal adult female level due to physiological changes during pregnancy, such as increased plasma volume leading to hemodilution. Recognizing anemia at this level is crucial for timely intervention and management, which may include dietary modifications or supplementation, to ensure both maternal and fetal health. Other options suggesting higher thresholds are not used in this clinical context, as they do not capture the condition of anemia properly during these specific trimesters.