What is typically observed on a smear for megaloblastic anemia due to Vitamin B12 deficiency?

In the case of megaloblastic anemia caused by Vitamin B12 deficiency, peripheral blood smears typically reveal the presence of hypersegmented neutrophils (PMNs) and ovalocytes. Hypersegmented neutrophils are characterized by having more than five lobes in their nuclei, which is a hallmark of megaloblastic processes, indicating impaired DNA synthesis. This occurs due to the disruption in DNA replication and maturation of cells, resulting in larger and abnormally shaped red blood cells, commonly referred to as ovalocytes.

These findings reflect the underlying pathology of Vitamin B12 deficiency, which hinders the proper formation of red blood cells, leading to their enlargement and the observed abnormalities in the white blood cells. This condition illustrates how deficiencies in essential vitamins can significantly affect hematopoiesis and result in distinct morphological changes observable through microscopy.

Other options such as microcytic red blood cells, hypochromic cells, and target cells are not typically associated with Vitamin B12 deficiency but rather indicate different types of anemia. Microcytic and hypochromic anemias, for example, are usually seen in iron deficiency anemia, while target cells can be observed in various conditions such as liver disease or thalassemia, rather