Iron deficiency anemia is one of the most common hematologic disorders among children. Show
What is Iron Deficiency AnemiaA micrograph of red blood cells (erythrocytes) | National Institutes of Health
PathophysiologyIron is vital for all living organisms because it is essential for multiple metabolic processes, including oxygen transport, DNA synthesis, and electron transport. Iron Deficiency Anemia Infographic | Click on the image to download.
Statistics and IncidencesIron deficiency is the most prevalent single deficiency state on a worldwide basis.
CausesCauses of iron deficiency anemia may include:
Clinical ManifestationsThe signs of iron deficiency anemia include: Signs you have iron deficiency. (Click to enlarge)
Assessment and Diagnostic FindingsAlthough the history and physical examination can lead to the recognition of the condition and help establish the etiology, iron deficiency anemia is primarily a laboratory diagnosis. Blood smear of a patient with Iron deficiency anemia at 40x enhancement
Medical ManagementMedical care starts with establishing the diagnosis and reason for the iron deficiency.
Pharmacologic ManagementMedications for iron deficiency anemia include:
Nursing ManagementNursing care of a child with iron deficiency anemia include the following: Nursing AssessmentAssessment of the child include:
Nursing DiagnosisBased on the assessment data, the major nursing diagnoses are:
Nursing Care Planning and GoalsMain Article: 4 Anemia Nursing Care Plans The major nursing care planning goals for patients with iron deficiency anemia are:
Nursing InterventionsThe nursing interventions for a child with iron deficiency anemia are: Administer prescribed medications, as ordered:
Reduce fatigue
Educate the client and caregivers about iron deficiency anemia:
Prevent infection
Prevent bleeding
EvaluationGoals are met as evidenced by:
Documentation GuidelinesDocumentation for a child with iron deficiency anemia include:
Practice Quiz: Iron Deficiency AnemiaHere’s a 5-item quiz for Iron deficiency anemia study guide. Please visit our nursing test bank page for more NCLEX practice questions. 1. Mrs. Baker was instructed by the nurse on foods to encourage her child’s diet concerning the latter’s iron deficiency anemia; which of the following if stated by the mother would indicate the need for further instruction? A. Yellow vegetables 1. Answer: A. Yellow vegetables.
2. Nurse Olenna is performing community assessment; which of the following age-groups would be inappropriate for her to monitor iron deficiency anemia? A. Pregnant women 2. Answer: C. School-age children.
3. Archie is a child with iron deficiency anemia. He is required to receive elemental iron therapy at 6 mg/kg/day in three divided doses. He weighs 44 lbs. How many milligrams of iron should he receive per dose? A. 20 mg/dose 3. Answer: B. 40 mg/dose.
4. The nurse is teaching a client who has iron deficiency anemia about foods she should include in her diet. The nurse determines that the client understands the dietary instructions if she selects which of the following from her menu? A. Nuts and fish 4. Answer: D. Oranges and dark green leafy vegetables.
5. Which of the following blood study results would the nurse expect as most likely when caring for the child with iron deficiency anemia? A. Normal total iron-binding capacity (TIBC) 5. Answer: B. Decreased mean corpuscular volume (MCV).
Which potential side effect would the nurse include when teaching patient about the administration of ferrous gluconate?stomach pain; coughing up blood or vomit that looks like coffee grounds; or. pain in your chest or throat when swallowing a ferrous gluconate tablet.
Which treatment will the nurse expect to be prescribed to prevent the development of iron overload?Drugs called chelating agents, which bind with the iron so that the body can get rid of it, can be used in patients who develop iron overload from red blood cell transfusions (unless they have poor kidney function). Deferoxamine (Desferal) is usually given as an infusion under the skin, using a small, portable pump.
Which food is best for the nurse to suggest for a patient with an iron deficiency?Eat iron-rich foods such as meat, chicken, fish, eggs, dried beans and fortified grains. The form of iron in meat products, called heme, is more easily absorbed than the iron in vegetables.
Which of the following may enhance the absorption of oral iron forms?Iron absorption is enhanced by vitamin C, thus taking these supplements with some orange juice (or a vitamin C supplement) can also improve absorption. A variety of oral iron supplements are available over-the-counter (OTC).
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