Chapter 23: Iron-Deficiency Anemia Flashcards
Which of the following is a common cause of iron deficiency anemia in infants after 6 months of age?
a) Overconsumption of formula
b) Insufficient solid food intake
c) Iron overload from supplementation
d) Exclusive breastfeeding after 12 months of age
b) Insufficient solid food intake
Rationale: Infants who do not consume adequate solid foods after 6 months and are only fed breast milk or formula not fortified with iron are at risk for iron deficiency anemia.
Which group of adolescents is most susceptible to iron deficiency anemia?
a) Adolescents with poor dental hygiene
b) Adolescents undergoing rapid growth and with poor nutritional intake
c) Adolescents with a family history of anemia
d) Adolescents involved in intense physical training
b) Adolescents undergoing rapid growth and with poor nutritional intake
Rationale: Adolescents undergoing rapid growth periods with diets high in fat and low in vitamins and minerals are particularly at risk for iron deficiency anemia.
Which of the following is a potential cause of iron deficiency anemia in children with chronic gastrointestinal conditions?
a) Blood loss from the gastrointestinal tract
b) Increased iron storage from overconsumption of iron-rich foods
c) Poor dietary intake of vitamins and minerals
d) Decreased iron absorption due to malabsorption
d) Decreased iron absorption due to malabsorption
Rationale: Children with chronic gastrointestinal conditions such as Crohn disease, celiac disease, or parasitic illnesses are at risk for malabsorption, leading to iron deficiency anemia.
A 6-month-old infant who has not been fed iron-fortified formula is at risk for iron deficiency anemia. What is the primary reason for this risk?
a) The infant’s iron stores from birth have been depleted.
b) Iron requirements decrease significantly at 6 months.
c) Exclusive breastfeeding does not provide adequate iron.
d) The infant’s gastrointestinal system is unable to absorb iron.
a) The infant’s iron stores from birth have been depleted.
Rationale: Neonatal iron stores are typically depleted by 6 months, making infants who do not receive iron-fortified formula or solid foods at risk for iron deficiency.
Which of the following is a common clinical manifestation of severe iron deficiency anemia in infants?
a) Jaundice and dehydration
b) Vomiting and diarrhea
c) Pallor, fatigue, irritability, and tachypnea
d) Increased appetite and weight gain
c) Pallor, fatigue, irritability, and tachypnea
Rationale: Severe iron deficiency anemia in infants may present with pallor, fatigue, irritability, tachypnea, and poor feeding.
A 3-year-old child is diagnosed with iron deficiency anemia. Which of the following laboratory findings would the nurse expect to see?
a) Increased mean corpuscular volume (MCV)
b) Microcytic, hypochromic red blood cells (RBCs)
c) Elevated hemoglobin and hematocrit levels
d) Increased serum ferritin and transferrin saturation
b) Microcytic, hypochromic red blood cells (RBCs)
Rationale: In iron deficiency anemia, RBCs are microcytic (small) and hypochromic (pale).
Which of the following diagnostic tests is commonly used to confirm iron deficiency anemia?
a) Serum iron and ferritin levels
b) Bone marrow biopsy
c) Genetic testing for anemia
d) Arterial blood gas analysis
a) Serum iron and ferritin levels
Rationale: Serum iron, ferritin, and other tests such as total iron-binding capacity help confirm iron deficiency anemia.
What is the most appropriate treatment for a child diagnosed with iron deficiency anemia?
a) Blood transfusion
b) Oral iron supplementation
c) Intravenous iron therapy
d) Vitamin B12 injections
b) Oral iron supplementation
Rationale: The standard treatment for iron deficiency anemia is oral iron supplementation, such as ferrous sulfate, to correct the deficiency.
What should the nurse monitor in a child receiving iron supplementation for iron deficiency anemia?
a) Growth and developmental milestones
b) Serum calcium levels
c) Blood glucose levels
d) The child’s hydration status
a) Growth and developmental milestones
Rationale: The nurse should monitor growth and development to ensure that the child’s anemia is being adequately treated and iron stores are replenished.
Which of the following populations is most at risk for iron deficiency anemia due to malabsorption?
a) Children with sickle cell disease
b) Children with asthma
c) Children with type 1 diabetes
d) Children with Crohn disease or celiac disease
d) Children with Crohn disease or celiac disease
Rationale: Children with gastrointestinal disorders such as Crohn disease or celiac disease are at risk for malabsorption, which can lead to iron deficiency anemia.
Which action by the parents demonstrates an understanding of the nurse’s teaching with regard to prevention of iron-deficient anemia?
- Feeding their infant with a formula that is not iron fortified
- Starting iron-fortified infant cereal at 4 to 6 months of age
- Introducing cow’s milk at 6 months of age
- Limiting vitamin C consumption after 1 year of age
- Starting iron-fortified infant cereal at 4 to 6 months of age
Rationale: Starting iron-fortified infant cereal at 4 to 6 months of age is recommended for prevention of iron deficiency in children. Infants who are not breast-fed should get iron-fortified formula. Cow’s milk should not be introduced until 12 months of age. Vitamin C should be started at 6 to 9 months of age and continued, because foods rich in vitamin C improve iron absorption.
The nurse is providing an educational session for parents with children diagnosed with iron deficiency anemia. Which statements will the nurse include educate about the normal functions of RBCs?
Select all that apply.
- “RBCs transport oxygen from the lungs to the tissue.”
- “RBCs transport carbon dioxide to the lungs.”
- “RBCs protect the body against bacterial invaders.”
- “RBCs form hemostatic plugs to stop bleeding.”
- “RBCs are responsible for psychosocial development.”
- “RBCs transport oxygen from the lungs to the tissue.”
- “RBCs transport carbon dioxide to the lungs.”
