Iron-Deficiency Review Notes Observe changes in RBCs with a blood smear test…will

Definition: a type of anemia that is caused by low IRON levels. appear hypochromic (pale) and microcytic (small)
Nail changes (Koilonychias….spoon-shaped nails), neuro change
What is Anemia? Anemia is a decreased amount of red blood cells or (confused, moody)
hemoglobin in the body. These components play a huge role Diagnosed?
in carrying oxygen throughout the body. If you are low in RBCs or
hemoglobin, your body won’t receive enough oxygen to function
 CBC (to assess red blood cells, hemoglobin levels)…may order
properly. a blood smear to assess color and size of RBCs
Key Points about Iron-Deficiency Anemia:
 Iron levels
Nursing Interventions for Iron-Deficiency Anemia
 Most common type of anemia (there are various types)
 Body uses IRON to make hemoglobin  Monitoring, education, and administering medications
 Low levels of iron lead the body to produce fewer red
 Monitor patient for bleeding and hemoglobin levels and other
blood cells which leads to less hemoglobin in the body. Hence,
major signs and symptoms…assessing diet, menstrual cycles
your body receives less amounts of oxygen.
etc.
 Signs and symptoms are vague at first and as it progresses the
 Educating how to take IRON supplements:
signs and symptoms become more noticeable
 Take iron on an empty stomach (increases
 A blood test such as a CBC (complete blood count) or iron absorption…may take with small amounts of food due
level will help the doctor detect anemia. to stomach upset)
 Women who are childbearing age may be plagued with this  Take with Vitamin C…glass of orange juice (helps
due to heavy menstruation or pregnancy and people with
increase absorption)
poor digestion (intestinal issue) or poor intake of iron.
 Don’t take with any milk products, calcium, or
 Treatment includes: incorporating more iron in the diet, taking antacids (decreases absorption) and wait 2 hours in
iron supplements, and prevention.
between
 Stools will turn black which is normal while taking iron
supplements (tarry stools or having stools with
Pathophysiology of Iron Deficiency Anemia blood..not normal)
The red blood cells transport oxygen throughout the body and remove
 For liquid preparations: mix in a drink, drink with
carbon dioxide (a waste product from metabolism) with the help of straw, and brush teeth afterwards (can stain teeth)
hemoglobin.
 Side effects: constipation (drink plenty of fluids and take over
Hemoglobin is an “ingredient” found in the RBC that is a protein that
the counter stool softener if needed)
contains IRON.
 May give IV iron or blood transfusion if severe per md order
 Eat Food High in Iron: Remember the mnemonic “Eat Lots of
 IRON helps make hemoglobin. Iron”
 Around 70% of the body’s iron is found in the hemoglobin. Egg yolks
 Function of hemoglobin is to facilitate the transfer of the Apricots
oxygen and carbon dioxide throughout the body. It does this Tofu
with the help of the RBCs. Legumes, Leafy green vegetables
Oysters
Tuna
Remember low IRON levels: mean less production of hemoglobin which Sardines, Seeds
means less oxygen to the body. pOtatoes
Causes of Iron-Deficiency Anemia Fish (halibut, haddock, salmon)
Iron-fortified cereal and breads
Raisins, Red meats (beef)
 Poor intake of iron through diet (pregnancy…increased
pOultry (turkey, chicken)
demand of iron for fetus, vegetarians)
Nuts
 Absorption problem: intestinal surgery…gastric bypass, celiac
disease, small intestine removal (most iron is absorbed by the
small intestine)
 Losing iron from blood loss (menstruation, GI
bleeding…ulcers, hemorrhoids)

Signs and Symptoms of Iron-Deficiency Anemia

Remember the Mnemonic: “Low Iron”
Lethargic
Overexerted easily (may be short of breath)
Weird food cravings (ice, dirt, clay), White-faced (pale)
Inflammation of tongue…will become smooth and turn various colors
of red (due to lack of oxygen it receives), Increased Heart rate (trying
to compensate for the low oxygen)
Reduced Hemoglobin level