In: Nursing
Case Study:
Suzy, a 28-year old social worker, is visiting the clinic today for
a physical examination. She states that she and her husband want to
“start a family”. She was told when she was 22 years of age that
she had anemia, and she was given iron tablets, but Suzy states
that she has not taken them for years. She said she “felt better”
and did not think she needed them. She denies any use of tobacco
and illegal drugs; she may have a drink with dinner once or twice a
month. She uses tea tree oil on her face twice a day to reduce acne
breakouts. She denies any other drugs.
After laboratory works is performed, Suzy is told that she is slightly anemic. The prescriber recommends that she resume taking iron supplements as well as folic acid. She is willing to try again and says that she is “all about what’s right to stay healthy and become a mother.”
What other questions does nurse need to ask during this assessment phase? Do we have any special consideration for our client? What is the appropriate and priority nursing diagnoses (at least 3) for the scenario? Explain. What should the nurse plan of care base on the assessment and nursing diagnoses formulated? (Give at least 10 nursing management)
Slowly developing anemia caused by nutritional deficits,
patients will be asymptomatic for a long time. Anemia patients need
a complete assessment to find the cause. Ask questions to the
patient regarding a family history of anemia. do you have any
family history of anemia?can you tell me your nutritional
pattern?do you have any other inflammatory disorder?Do you
experience any signs and symptoms of anemia?do you have any
bleeding disorder? Do you have any abortion before? Do you take any
other drugs for any reason?
We need to correct the patient anemic condition first before she
becomes pregnant because during pregnancy our body produces more
blood to support the growth of the baby. if the patient not getting
enough iron her body can not able to produce the number of red
blood cells
for her additional needs.
nursing diagnosis: Altered Nutrition relates to inadequate intake
of nutrients.
Altered tissue perfusion related to insufficient hemoglobin and
hematocrit
Deficit knowledge about causes of anemia and management
Nursing management:
-assess the patient vital signs and mucous membranes and skin
color.
-Encourage the patient to have a healthy diet
- inform the patient to stop drinking completely because alcohol
interferes with the use of essential nutrients.
-Involve the patient and her husband in food preference and
preparation.
-Advice the patient to have iron supplements and folic acids as per
the doctor's advice.
-advise the patient to balance her work with rest
-advise the patient to reduce the use of tea tree oil that makes
the skin pallor
-assess the patient's hemoglobin and hematocrit count.
-Enroll the patient and her husband into family counseling.
-advise the patient to consult the doctor if there are any signs
and symptoms of anemia if she experiences.
-educate the patient about iron deficiency and fetal
complications.