NCLEX Review: Iron Deficiency Anemia

Introduction

• Presenter: Sarah from registernursern.com
• Part of NCLEX review series on hematology
• Covers: Definition, Pathophysiology, Causes, Signs and Symptoms, Nursing Interventions, and Mnemonics

Definition

• Iron Deficiency Anemia:
  • A type of anemia caused by low iron levels
  • Anemia is a decrease in red blood cells or hemoglobin, leading to oxygen deprivation in tissues and organs

Key Points

• Most common type of anemia
• Iron's Role:
  • Essential for making hemoglobin
  • Without enough iron, fewer red blood cells are produced, leading to less hemoglobin and oxygen
• Initial symptoms are vague, such as fatigue, but worsen if untreated
• Diagnosis involves:
  • Complete Blood Count (CBC)
  • Iron level tests
  • Blood smear test
• Treatment includes dietary changes, iron-rich foods, and supplements

Pathophysiology

• Red Blood Cells (RBCs):
  • Act as transport vehicles for oxygen and removal of carbon dioxide
  • Hemoglobin:
    • Protein containing iron, essential for RBC function
    • Facilitates oxygen and carbon dioxide transfer
• Low iron leads to low hemoglobin and RBCs, causing decreased oxygen in the body

Causes of Iron Deficiency Anemia

1. Poor Intake:
   • Pregnancy (high fetal iron demands)
   • Poor diet or malnutrition
   • Vegetarian diets (need for iron-rich foods)
2. Absorption Problems:
   • Intestinal surgery or gastric bypass
   • Celiac disease
   • Small intestine issues
3. Blood Loss:
   • Heavy menstruation
   • GI bleeding, ulcers, hemorrhoids

Signs and Symptoms (Mnemonic: LOW IRON)

• L: Lethargy (tiredness due to low oxygen)
• O: Overexerted easily, shortness of breath
• W: Weird food cravings (e.g., ice, clay)
• W: White face (pallor)
• I: Inflammation of the tongue (glossitis)
• I: Increased heart rate (tachycardia)
• O: Observable changes in RBCs (hypochromic, microcytic)
• N: Nail changes (spoon-shaped, koilonychia) and neuro changes (poor concentration, moodiness)

Nursing Interventions

• Monitor for bleeding, hemoglobin, and hematocrit levels
• Educate on iron supplements:
  • Take on an empty stomach
  • Take with vitamin C for better absorption
  • Avoid with milk, calcium, or antacids (wait 2 hours)
  • Expect dark stools (normal), but not tarry or bloody
  • Use straw for liquid iron to prevent teeth staining
  • Address constipation (increase fluids, stool softeners)
• Administer iron IV or blood transfusions if necessary
• Educate on dietary sources of iron (Mnemonic: EAT LOTS OF IRON)

Dietary Sources of Iron (Mnemonic: EAT LOTS OF IRON)

• E: Egg yolks
• A: Apricots
• T: Tofu
• L: Legumes, Leafy greens
• O: Oysters, shellfish
• T: Tuna
• S: Sardines, Seeds
• O: Potatoes
• F: Fish (halibut, haddock, salmon)
• I: Iron-fortified cereals/breads
• R: Red meats (beef), Raisins
• O: Poultry
• N: Nuts

Conclusion

• Encouragement to visit website for quizzes
• Reminder to subscribe to the YouTube channel