Iron Deficiency Anemia

Question 1

what is the definition of iron deficiency anemia ?

Answer 1

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

Question 2

what is the most common type of anemia ?

Answer 2

iron deficiency anemia

Question 3

the body uses iron to make ______-

Answer 3

hemoglobin

Question 4

lower iron levels lead the body to produce …………

Answer 4

fewer red blood cells which leads to less hemoglobin in the body. Hence, your body receives less amounts of oxygen.

Question 5

are the s/s of iron deficiency anemia immediate ?

Answer 5

No.

Signs and symptoms are vague at first and as it progresses the signs and symptoms become more noticeable

Question 6

A blood test such as a __________ or ________ level will help the doctor detect anemia.

Answer 6

CBC; iron

Question 7

________________ 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.

Answer 7

women of childbearing age

Treatment includes: incorporating more iron in the diet, taking iron supplements, and prevention.

Question 8

____________is an “ingredient” found in the RBC that is a protein that contains IRON.

Answer 8

hemoglobin

Question 9

_________- helps make hemoglobin.

Answer 9

IRON

Question 10

Around _____________ of the body’s iron is found in the hemoglobin.

Answer 10

70%

Question 11

What is the function of the hemoglobin ?

Answer 11

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.

Question 12

The ________ transport oxygen throughout the body and remove carbon dioxide (a waste product from metabolism) with the help of hemoglobin.

Answer 12

red blood cells

Question 13

Remember low IRON levels mean

Answer 13

less production of hemoglobin which means less oxygen to the body.

Question 14

with low iron, you will have less hemoglobin, less RBC and less oxygen in the body. TRUE OR FALSE

Answer 14

TRUE

Question 15

Causes of Iron-Deficiency Anemia

Answer 15

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)

Question 16

most iron is absorbed where ?

Answer 16

In the small intestine

Question 17

S/S of Iron Deficiency Anemia

LOW IRON Mnemonic

Answer 17

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)

Question 18

What would RBC look like for a patient with iron deficiency anemia ?

Answer 18

will appear hypochromic (pale) and microcytic (small)

Question 19

Koilonychia, also known as

Answer 19

spoon nails

Question 20

Nursing interventions for iron deficiency anemia

Answer 20

Monitoring, education, and administering medications

Monitor patient for bleeding and hemoglobin levels and other major signs and symptoms…assessing diet, menstrual cycles etc.

Question 21

How should the patient be taught to take Iron supplements ?

Answer 21

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

Question 22

Iron should be taken on a ________ stomach and be taken with vitamin ____________

Answer 22

empty; C

Question 23

Eat Food High in Iron: Remember the mnemonic “Eat Lots of Iron”

Answer 23

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

Question 24

How to administer liquid iron supplements

Answer 24

mix in a drink, drink with straw, and brush teeth afterwards (can stain teeth)