Iron Deficiency Anemia Flashcards
what is the definition of iron deficiency anemia ?
type of anemia caused by low iron levels
anemia is the decreased amount of RBC or hemoglobin in the body - not enough of this, your organs will be deprived of oxygen
what is the most common type of anemia ?
iron deficiency anemia
the body uses iron to make ______-
hemoglobin
lower iron levels lead the body to produce …………
fewer red blood cells which leads to less hemoglobin in the body. Hence, your body receives less amounts of oxygen.
are the s/s of iron deficiency anemia immediate ?
No.
Signs and symptoms are vague at first and as it progresses the signs and symptoms become more noticeable
A blood test such as a __________ or ________ level will help the doctor detect anemia.
CBC; iron
________________ age may be plagued with iron deficiency anemia due to heavy menstruation or pregnancy and people with poor digestion (intestinal issue) or poor intake of iron.
women of childbearing age
Treatment includes: incorporating more iron in the diet, taking iron supplements, and prevention.
____________is an “ingredient” found in the RBC that is a protein that contains IRON.
hemoglobin
_________- helps make hemoglobin.
IRON
Around _____________ of the body’s iron is found in the hemoglobin.
70%
What is the function of the hemoglobin ?
Function of hemoglobin is to facilitate the transfer of the oxygen and carbon dioxide throughout the body. It does this with the help of the RBCs.
The ________ transport oxygen throughout the body and remove carbon dioxide (a waste product from metabolism) with the help of hemoglobin.
red blood cells
Remember low IRON levels mean
less production of hemoglobin which means less oxygen to the body.
with low iron, you will have less hemoglobin, less RBC and less oxygen in the body. TRUE OR FALSE
TRUE
Causes of Iron-Deficiency Anemia
Poor intake of iron through diet (pregnancy…increased demand of iron for fetus, vegetarians)
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)
most iron is absorbed where ?
In the small intestine
S/S of Iron Deficiency Anemia
LOW IRON Mnemonic
Lethargic - there is low amounts of oxygen being transported through the body
Overexerted easily (may be short of breath)
Weird food cravings (ice, dirt, clay), White-faced (pale) pallor look to them because of low oxygen
Inflammation of tongue (glossitis)…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
Observe changes in RBCs with a blood smear test…will appear hypochromic (pale) and microcytic (small)
Nail changes (Koilonychias….spoon-shaped nails), neuro change (confused, moody)
What would RBC look like for a patient with iron deficiency anemia ?
will appear hypochromic (pale) and microcytic (small)
Koilonychia, also known as
spoon nails
Nursing interventions for iron deficiency anemia
Monitoring, education, and administering medications
Monitor patient for bleeding and hemoglobin levels and other major signs and symptoms…assessing diet, menstrual cycles etc.
How should the patient be taught to take Iron supplements ?
Take iron on an empty stomach (increases absorption…may take with small amounts of food due to stomach upset)
Take with Vitamin C…glass of orange juice (helps increase absorption)
Don’t take with any milk products, calcium, or antacids (decreases absorption) and wait 2 hours in between
Stools will turn black which is normal while taking iron supplements (tarry stools or having stools with blood..not normal)
For liquid preparations: mix in a drink, drink with straw, and brush teeth afterwards (can stain teeth)
Side effects: constipation (drink plenty of fluids and take over the counter stool softener if needed)
May give IV iron or blood transfusion if severe per md order
Iron should be taken on a ________ stomach and be taken with vitamin ____________
empty; C
Eat Food High in Iron: Remember the mnemonic “Eat Lots of Iron”
Egg yolks
Apricots
Tofu
Legumes, Leafy green vegetables
Oysters
Tuna
Sardines, Seeds
pOtatoes
Fish (halibut, haddock, salmon)
Iron-fortified cereal and breads
Raisins, Red meats (beef)
pOultry (turkey, chicken)
Nuts
How to administer liquid iron supplements
mix in a drink, drink with straw, and brush teeth afterwards (can stain teeth)
