iron deficiency anemia

what is iron deficiency anemia?

insufficient iron for hemoglobin synthesis

most common nutritional deficiency in the world

what does and iron deficiency lead to?

production of abnormally small RBCs that are unable to carry sufficient O2 to tissues

what are the general causes and risk factors of iron deficiency anemia?

demographics

diet/nutrition

socioeconomics

examples of demographics

elderly

female

pregnancy

examples of diet/nutrition

vegan/vegetarian

low vitamin C intake

poor dentition

bowel disease (need a functional gut to absorb iron)

cancer

why is a low vitamin C intake relate to iron deficiency?

processes iron for use

examples of socioeconomics

poverty

ETOH overuse

stress (eat their feelings/lose their appetite)

depression

what are foods that enhance iron absorption?

citrus fruits

tomatoes

chili peppers

what are foods that impair iron absorption?

tea → contains tannins

cereal products containing phytates

dairy/calcium and antacids

what are the two types of dietary iron? which is easier for you bodies to use?

haem iron: easy for our body to use

non-haem iron: harder, so we get less iron from it

where do we get haem iron?

meat, chicken, fish, and shellfish

where do we get non-haem iron?

all vegetarian sources

we need to consume more of it

clinical presentation of iron deficiency anemia

general s/s of anemia (typically gradual onset)

pica

koilonychia

blue slcerae

what is pica?

craving for nonfood substances such as dirt, clay, ice, laundry starch, cardboard, or hair

what is koilonychia?

spoon-shaped nails

treatment and nursing considerations for iron deficiency anemia

treat underlying cause

monitor for Fe replacement side effects

beware of iron toxicity (keep away from children)!

iron replacement side effects

nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, constipation, stomach cramps, and pain

dark green/black stool is expected (report tarry stool)

liquid oral preparations may stain teeth (use a straw)

IV forms: pain upon injection, orthostatic hypotension