Question

A 16-year-old female presents at the clinic with extreme fatigue and shortness of breath while playing volleyball. She has been in good health until about six months ago. During these six months, she has had several colds and flu events where she was unable to do normal activities. Her mother reports she spends a great deal of time sleeping, sometimes twelve hours, and complains of fatigue when she awakens. She is pale and appears to have little energy. The doctor suspects iron deficiency anemia (IDA).

Explain the pathophysiology of iron deficiency anemia (IDA). You will need to defend your answer using specific facts, & data.

Answer 1

Good Morning,

IRON DEFICIENCY ANEMIA:-

Definition:-

Iron deficiency Anemia is a common type of anemia in which blood lacks oxygen containing Red blood cells, which is caused due to insufficient iron in the diet.

Those who lack iron look pale and easily get out of breath and feel tired. Children who are anemic are often sick and sleepy.

Normally the iron in our bodies is used over and over again and we need little extra from our diet, but in the following circumstances iron is lost and anemia is caused unless more iron is taken from the diet.

1. Bleeding of any kind, menstruation, piles and dysentery.
2. Diseases such as malaria and hookworm, where blood is destroyed.
3. In pregnancy because foetus takes iron from the mother.

Growing children needs extra iron to make blood, and care should be taken to take more iron sufficient diet.

Pathophysiology:-

• Any condition like more blood loss, more RBC destruction or less RBC production leads to less Oxygen-carrying capacity of blood. Due to low oxygen in blood, body suffers from Tissue hypoxia and then the body shows signs and symptoms like_ Pallor, fatigue, headache, dizziness, faintness.

​​Nursing management:-

• Administer prescribed medications which includes iron supplements (IV, IM or ORAL)
• Advise patient to take iron supplements an hour before taking meals for maximum absorption.
• Advise patient to use a straw while taking liquid forms to avoid teeth staining.
• Educate patient about foods that are high in iron which includes leafy vegetables especially dark ones like spinach, meat and poultry, fortified foods, beans, nuts and seeds.
• Encourage patient to take vitamin C diet to enhance absorption of iron supplements.
• Educate patient and relatives about IDA, its causes, treatment and dietary supplements.

Thank you!

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