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At Risk: Many groups are at risk for developing iron deficiency anemia
• Children ages 12-36 months as a result of cow’s milk being major staple in diet
• Preterm infants because of their reduced fetal iron supply
• Adolescents because of their rapid growth rate combined with poor eating habits
Diagnostic Studies:
• History and Physical Examination
1. Check skin, gums, and nailbeds to see whether they are pale or yellowish
2. Feel abdomen to check for enlarged liver or spleen
3. Listen to lungs for rapid or uneven breathing
4. Listen to heart for rapid or irregular heartbeat
• CBC to check for decreased Hemoglobin and Hematocrit levels
• CBC to check for decreased number of RBCs, WBCs, and Platelets
• Serum Iron-measures the amount of iron in the blood
• Serum Ferritin-measures the protein that helps to store iron in the body
• Transferrin Level-measures the total iron-binding capacity
• Fecal Occult Blood Test-determine if internal bleeding is the cause for deficiency
Assessment:
• Lack of energy
• Easy fatigability
• Shortness of breath
• Coldness in feet and hands
• Pallor of skin, gums, and nailbeds
• Enlarged spleen or liver
• Swelling and soreness of the tongue and cracks in the sides of the mouth
• In infants and children, poor appetite
• In infants and children, slowed growth and development
• In infants and children, behavioral problems
Nursing Diagnoses:
• Fatigue related to reduced oxygen-carrying capacity of blood from decreased
number of RBCs
• Deficient knowledge related to unfamiliarity of disease
• Activity Intolerance related to inadequate oxygen delivery to the tissues
Test Question:
When should iron supplements ideally be given?
A. When the patient feels fatigued
B. On an empty stomach
C. One hour after meals
D. With the first bite of each meal