A peripheral blood smear from a patient with thalassemia would exhibit which of the following?

In the context of thalassemia, a peripheral blood smear is noteworthy for certain characteristic changes that help in its diagnosis. The correct choice reflects the distinct morphological appearance of red blood cells associated with this condition.

Target cells, also known as codocytes, are a hallmark of thalassemia. They appear as red blood cells with a central area of hemoglobin surrounded by a clear zone, giving them a bull's-eye appearance. This occurs due to the imbalance of globin chain production that characterizes thalassemia, leading to abnormal red cell morphology.

Basophilic stippling, which refers to the appearance of blue granules within red blood cells due to the presence of ribosomal RNA, is often observed in thalassemia patients. This finding reflects ineffective erythropoiesis and can result from disturbances in red blood cell synthesis.

Teardrop cells, or dacrocytes, are another finding that may be present. While they are more commonly associated with myelofibrosis and other conditions, they can be seen in thalassemia due to the mechanical distortion of red blood cells during their passage through the spleen.

In summary, the presence of target cells, basophilic stippling, and te