This is a type of anemia that is caused by low iron levels.

Anemia

• is a decreased amount of red blood cells or hemoglobin in the body.

• These components play a huge role in carrying oxygen throughout the body.  

• If you are low in RBCs or hemoglobin, your body won’t receive enough oxygen to function properly , which can lead to symptoms such as fatigue, weakness, and shortness of breath.

Key Points about Iron-Deficiency Anemia

• Most common type of anemia.

• Body uses IRON to make HEMOGLOBIN.

• Low levels of iron = produce fewer RBCs = less hemoglobin in the body = body receives less amounts of oxygen.

• S/S are uncertain at first but as it progresses it becomes more noticeable.

• Blood Test - CBC (complete blood count) = helps the Doctor detect anemia.

At risk of having Iron-Deficiency Anemia

• Women at childbearing age are at risk due to heavy menstruation or pregnancy

• People with poor digestion (intestinal issue) or poor intake of iron. Other individuals at risk include those with gastrointestinal disorders, vegetarians or vegans with inadequate iron intake, and anyone with a history of blood loss.

Treatments

• incorporating more iron in the diet.

• iron supplements

• prevention

Pathophysiology of Iron Deficiency Anemia

1. RBC transport oxygen throughout the body and remove CO2 (a waste product from metabolism) with the help of hemoglobin.

2. Hemoglobin is an “ingredient” found in the RBC that is a protein that contains IRON. Iron - enables red blood cells to transport oxygen efficiently throughout the body.

   • IRON helps make hemoglobin.

     • body needs iron to produce hemoglobin. Without enough iron, the body can't produce enough functional hemoglobin, which can lead to conditions like anemia (characterized by reduced oxygen-carrying capacity).

   • Around 70% of the body’s iron is found in 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.

   • It also gives red blood cells their color.

Low levels of iron = produce fewer RBCs = less hemoglobin in the body = body receives less amounts of oxygen.

Cause 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 SI)

• Losing of Iron from blood loss

  • menstruation

  • GI bleeding

    • ulcers

    • hemorrhoids

Signs and Symptoms of Iron-Deficiency Anemia

L.O.W.W.I.I.R.O.N.N

• Lethargic

• Overexerted easily (may be short of breath)

• Weird food cravings (ice, dirt, clay)

• White-faced (pale)

• Inflammation of tongue (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, Reduced hematocrit %

• 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)

Normal Values

Hemoglobin (Hgb)

• Male: 13 – 18 g/dL

• Female:  12 – 16 g/dL

Hematocrit (HCT)

• Male: 39% - 54%

• Female: 36% - 48%

Diagnosis

• CBC – to assess RBCs and Hemoglobin levels.

• may order a blood smear to assess color and size of RBCs.

• Iron levels

Iron Supplement

Ferrous Sulfate

• ·        may use to treat iron-deficiency anemia

• ·        may need ferrous sulfate if you don’t get enough iron through the foods you eat

• ·        comes in tablet and liquid form

• ·        Side effects may include constipation, stomach cramps and other digestive issues

Nursing Interventions for Iron-Deficiency Anemia

·        Monitor patient for bleeding and hemoglobin levels, and other major s/s

·        Assess diet, menstrual cycles

·        Educate how to take Iron supplements

o   Take iron on an empty stomach (increases absorption…may take with small amounts of food due to stomach upset)

o   Take with Vitamin C…glass of orange juice (helps increase absorption)

o   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) or use a syringe to administer the liquid directly into the back of the mouth, ensuring minimal contact with teeth.

• Educate about the side effects

• Possible for constipation

• Drink plenty of fluids

• Take over the counter stool softener if needed

• May give IV iron or blood transfusion if severe per md order

• Eat Food High in Iron

E.A.T.L.O.T.S.O.F.I.R.O.N

o   Egg yolks

o   Apricots

o   Tofu

o   Legumes, Leafy green vegetables

o   Oysters

o   Tuna

o   Sardines, Seeds

o   pOtatoes

o   Fish (halibut, haddock, salmon)

o   Iron-fortified cereal and breads

o   Raisins, Red meats (beef)

o   pOultry (turkey, chicken)

o   Nuts