Iron Deficiency Anemia

• Iron Deficiency Anemia

  A condition in which the total body iron content is decreased below a normal level, affecting hemoglobin synthesis. RBCs appear pale and are small (microcytic, hypochromic cells)
• Iron Deficiency Anemia Clinical Manifestations

  • Appearance: Pallor
  • Breathing: Dyspnea and chest pain
  • Heart: Tachycardia (compensatory)
  • Energy: Weakness & fatigue
  • Mucus membrane: Inflamed
  • Lips: Cheilosis - cracked
  • Nails: Koilonychia - Spoon shaped
  • Pica - Ingestion of non-food items; most common is ice
  • Vinson-Plummer's Syndrome

  Stomatitis

  Dysphagia

  Acute Glossitis (smooth, sore tongue)
• Iron Deficiency Anemia: Management

  Oral Iron Supplement

  • Ferrous Sulfate (with meals) = gi discomfort
  • Ferrous Gluconate (without meals) = absorption
  • Ferrous Fumarate (without meals) = absorption
• Iron Deficiency Anemia: Management

  Oral Iron Supplement

  • Vitamin C, like orange juice enhances iron absorption
  • Milk, tea, and antacid slow the absorption of iron.
• Iron Deficiency Anemia: Management

  Oral Liquid Iron (Elixir) should be taken with straw to prevent permanent staining of the teeth.
• Iron Deficiency Anemia: Management

  IM feron is administered by Z-Track (deep IM) to prevent staining of the skin. Do not massage to prevent leakage.
• Iron Deficiency Anemia: Management

  Iron changes the color of stool to dark green or black. This is expected and harmless. It may also cause constipation.
• Oral FeSO4 for Iron Deficiency Anemia: True or False

  True - Taken on empty stomach
• Oral FeSO4 for Iron Deficiency Anemia: True or False

  False - Mix with milk, tea, coffee & antacids
• Oral FeSO4 for Iron Deficiency Anemia: True or False

  True - GI irritation, Dark Stool, Constipation
• Oral FeSO4 for Iron Deficiency Anemia: True or False

  True - Vitamin C
• Oral FeSO4 for Iron Deficiency Anemia: True or False

  True - Increase fiber, fluids, and stool softener for constipation
• Oral FeSO4 for Iron Deficiency Anemia: True or False

  False - Laxatives for constipation
• Iron Dextran for Iron Deficiency Anemia

  Z-track - Technique to prevent leakege to surrounding tissues to prevent staining and increase absorption
• Oral liquid form for Iron Deficiency Anemia: True or False

  True - May cause staining off the teeth
• Oral liquid form for Iron Deficiency Anemia: True or False

  True - Use straw/spoon at the back of the mouth
• Oral liquid form for Iron Deficiency Anemia: True or False

  False - NO oral care needed