Iron Deficiency Anemia

Question 1

Medications

Answer 1

Ferrous Asparate
Ferrous Fumarate
Ferrous Gluconate
Ferrous Sulfate
Iron Dextran
Iron Sucrose

Question 2

Actions

Answer 2

Increase iron concentration.

This med is an iron replacement

Question 3

Indictations

Answer 3

Treats iron deficiency anemias and might also be used as an adjunctive therapy in patients who are already receiving Epoetin Alfa

Question 4

Adverse Effects

Answer 4

Oral: GI irritation
**constipation
CNS toxicity- related to iron toxicity

Parental route: iron is associated with severe anaphylactic reactions, local irritation, staining of tissues, and phlebitis

Question 5

Iron is a metal.

If metal toxicity occurs, what would be used?

Answer 5

Chelating Agents

* *deferasirox
* *deferiprone
* *deferoxamine mesylate

Question 6

Drug-Food Interaction

Answer 6

Eggs
milk
tea
coffee
acidic liquids

Question 7

Drug- Drug Interaction

Answer 7

Antacids
tetracycline
cimetidine
ciprofloxacin
norfloxacin
ofloxacin
(give these 2 hours apart from iron)

Chloramphenicol
(causes increase level of iron)

Question 8

Contraindications

Answer 8

Hemochromatosis (means pt has excess iron stores)
Hemolytic anemia (RBC's are already broken down at a fast rate)
Normal iron balance (won't do anything for the patient)

Peptic ulcer, colitis, or regional enteritis (iron is very irritating to GI tract

Question 9

Nursing Process

IMPLEMENTATION

Answer 9

Assess if patient has Allergy, colitis, enteritis, or peptic ulcer, or hemolytic anemias
Assess Skin, neurological status, Vitals and CV function and bowel sounds
Appropriate lab values (CBC-checking hematocrit), Ferritin level

Question 10

Nursing process

IMPLEMENTATION/Patient Teaching

Answer 10

Ensure that iron deficiency anemia is confirmed before administering
Consult with the physician to arrange for the treatment of the underlying cause of anemia if possible
Administer the oral form with meals that do not include eggs, milk, coffee, and tea
Caution the patient that stools may be dark or green
Take measures to help alleviate constipation
Administer IM only by the Z-track technique
Arrange for hematocrit and hemoglobin measurements before administration and periodically during therapy