Question

Kathy is a 12-year-old female patient who presents to your clinic with a new diagnosis of iron deficiency anemia.

1.What education regarding diet and supplements should you provide the patient and her parents?

2.What other anticipatory guidance information is necessary for this patient?

3.Discuss your plan for treatment and the clinical guidelines you would use for reference?

Answer 1

1) Health education :-

Diet :

Nutritious, nonirritating foods

Restriction of milk intake to less than 24 oz/day

Foods high in iron, such as meats, beans, iron-fortified cereals, strawberries, and spinach

Oral therapy - including taking the drug on an empty stomach or taking the drug with a vitamin C-containing fluid to increase absorption

signs and symptoms of iron overload and the need to immediately report them

basics of a nutritionally balanced diet, including sources of iron-rich foods

importance of avoiding infection and when to report signs of infection

need for regular checkups

importance of complying with the prescribed treatment.

2) Anticipatory guidance :-

taking the drug on an empty stomach or taking the drug with a vitamin C-containing fluid to increase absorption

avoidance of staining teeth by drinking liquid iron supplement through a straw

adverse effects of iron therapy, such as constipation and black, tarry stools, and measures to minimize these effects

3) Treatment :-

Treatment-General

Based on underlying cause

Treatment-Diet

Nutritious, nonirritating foods

Restriction of milk intake to less than 24 oz/day

Foods high in iron, such as meats, beans, iron-fortified cereals, strawberries, and spinach

Treatment-Activity

Planned rest periods during activity

As tolerated

Treatment-Medications

Oral preparation of iron such as ferrous sulfate, ferrous fumarate, or ferrous gluconate or a combination of iron and ascorbic acid

Parenteral iron (I.M. or I.V.) for severe noncompliance or malabsorption or if ongoing losses exceed absorption ability

Supplemental oxygen therapy