a. Definition/description of your assigned disease topic.

Anaemia is a condition in which the number of red blood cells or the haemoglobin concentration
within them is lower than normal. Haemoglobin is needed to carry oxygen and if you have too
few or abnormal red blood cells, or not enough haemoglobin, there will be a decreased capacity
of the blood to carry oxygen to the body’s tissues. This results in symptoms such as fatigue,
weakness, dizziness and shortness of breath, among others. The optimal haemoglobin
concentration needed to meet physiologic needs varies by age, sex, elevation of residence,
smoking habits and pregnancy status. The most common causes of anaemia include nutritional
deficiencies, particularly iron deficiency, though deficiencies in folate, vitamins B12 and A are
also important causes; haemoglobinopathies; and infectious diseases, such as malaria,
tuberculosis, HIV and parasitic infections.

Anaemia is a serious global public health problem that particularly affects young children and
pregnant women. WHO estimates that 42% of children less than 5 years of age and 40% of
pregnant women worldwide are anaemic

b. Signs and symptoms

Anaemia can cause a range of symptoms including fatigue, weakness, dizziness and
drowsiness. Children and pregnant women are especially vulnerable, with an increased risk of
maternal and child mortality. The prevalence of anaemia remains high globally, particularly in
low-income settings, where a significant proportion of young children and women of childbearing
age can be assumed to be anaemic. Iron deficiency anaemia has also been shown to affect
cognitive and physical development in children and reduce productivity in adults.

Anaemia is an indicator of both poor nutrition and poor health. It is problematic on its own, but it
can also impact other global nutritional concerns such as stunting and wasting, low birth weight
and childhood overweight and obesity due to lack of energy to exercise. School performance in
children and reduced work productivity in adults due to anaemia can have further social and
economic impacts for the individual and family.

Anemia signs and symptoms vary depending on the cause and severity of anemia. Depending
on the causes of your anemia, you might have no symptoms.

Signs and symptoms, if they do occur, might include:

Fatigue
Weakness
Pale or yellowish skin
Irregular heartbeats
Shortness of breath
Dizziness or lightheadedness
Chest pain
Cold hands and feet
Headaches
At first, anemia can be so mild that you don't notice it. But symptoms worsen as anemia
worsens.

C. Nursing problem/diagnosis

To diagnose anemia, your doctor is likely to ask you about your medical and family history,
perform a physical exam, and run the following tests:

Complete blood count (CBC). A CBC is used to count the number of blood cells in a sample of
your blood. For anemia, your doctor will likely be interested in the levels of the red blood cells
contained in your blood (hematocrit) and the hemoglobin in your blood.

Healthy adult hematocrit values are generally between 38.3% and 48.6% for men and 35.5%
and 44.9% for women. Healthy adult hemoglobin values are generally 13.2 to 16.6 grams per
deciliter for men and 11.6 to 15 grams per deciliter for women. These values may differ slightly
from one medical practice to another.

Numbers might be lower for people who engage in intense physical activity, are pregnant or of
older age. Smoking and being at high altitude might increase numbers.

A test to determine the size and shape of your red blood cells. Some of your red blood cells
might also be examined for unusual size, shape and color.

● Fatigue related to decreased hemoglobin and diminished oxygen-carrying capacity of

the blood.
● Altered nutrition, less than body requirements, related to inadequate intake of essential
nutrients.
● Altered tissue perfusion related to insufficient hemoglobin and hematocrit.

d. Intervention and evaluation

Nursing interventions are based on the data assessed by the nurse and on the symptoms that
the patient manifests.

To manage fatigue:

Prioritize activities. Assist the patient in prioritizing activities and establishing balance between
activity and rest that would be acceptable to the patient.
Exercise and physical activity. Patients with chronic anemia need to maintain some physical
activity and exercise to prevent the deconditioning that results from inactivity.
To maintain adequate nutrition:

Diet. The nurse should encourage a healthy diet that is packed with essential nutrients.
Alcohol intake. The nurse should inform the patient that alcohol interferes with the utilization of
essential nutrients and should advise the patient to avoid or limit his or her intake of alcoholic
beverages.
Dietary teaching. Sessions should be individualized and involve the family members and include
cultural aspects related to food preference and preparation.
To maintain adequate perfusion:

Blood transfusion monitoring. The nurse should monitor the patient’s vital signs and pulse
oximeter readings closely.
To promote compliance with prescribed therapy:

Enhance compliance. The nurse should assist the patient to develop ways to incorporate the
therapeutic plan into everyday activities.
Medication intake. Patients receiving high-dose corticosteroids may need assistance to obtain
needed insurance coverage or to explore alternative ways to obtain these medications.
Evaluation
Included in the expected patient outcomes are the following:

Reports less fatigue.

Attains and maintains adequate nutrition.
Maintains adequate perfusion.
Absence of complications.

e. Search video clips related to your assigned disease topic.