Week 7 - Iron Deficiency Anemia

Question 1

Iron deficiency anemia can lead to what type of anemia?

Answer 1

• microcytic anemia
  smaller than normal RBC

Question 2

How long do RBC live?

Answer 2

120 days

Question 3

When RBC are broken down, what happens to the iron within them? (2)

Answer 3

• we keep and reuse the iron in the body
• We excrete only 1 mg iron/day

Question 4

iron in the body diagram

Answer 4

Question 5

Iron deficiency anemia is the most common type in the world. What is its relation to oxygen in the body?

Answer 5

• decreased iron impedes the synthesis of Hgb, meaning less O2 is transported

Question 6

What is the etiology (cause) of iron deficiency anemia? (3, 5)

Answer 6

1. inadequate dietary intake of iron, especially during growth spurts of pregnancy
2. Chronic blood loss from GI ulcer, hemorrhoids, cancer, or excessive menstrual flow
   - means loss of iron from the body since blood is lost (not recycled)
   - results in low iron stores
3. Impaired absorption of iron, resulting from gastritis, chronic inflammatory bowel disease, or diarrhea (even if eating enough)

Question 7

What are the signs and symptoms of iron deficiency anemia? (8)

Answer 7

• weakness
• pallor
• low exercise tolerance
• fatigue
• fissures at corner of mouth
• serum Hgb and Hct decreased
• serum ferritin decreased
• serum iron decreased

Question 8

How is iron-deficiency anemia treated? (3)

Answer 8

1. Change in diet
   - include iron-rich foods like meat, fish, poultry, beans, peas, iron fortified food
2. Treat/Heal GI Tract if bleeding is the cause
3. Iron Supplement (ferrous coated - duodenum)

Question 9

Why is ferrous sulfate used as a supplement? (2)

Answer 9

• iron is best absorbed as ferrous sulphate (Fe2+) in an acidic environment
• oral tablet or liquid administration

Question 10

How should you administer ferrous sulfate? (3)

Answer 10

• 1 hour before meals
• vitamin C will help to increase absorption of iron
• undiluted liquid may stain teeth, s give diluted through a straw

Question 11

What are the GI side effects of ferrous sulfate? (4)

Answer 11

• heartburn
• constipation
• diarrhea
• stools will become black because GI tract excretes excess iron
  note that some increase the dose of iron on a full stomach w/ OJ to decrease GI upset