NCLEX Review: Iron Deficiency Anemia

Overview

• Presenter: Sarah from RegisterNurseRN.com
• Series: Part of an NCLEX review series on hematology
• Focus: Definition, pathophysiology, causes, signs and symptoms, nursing interventions, and mnemonics for iron deficiency anemia

What is Iron Deficiency Anemia?

• Definition: Type of anemia due to low iron levels
• Anemia: Decreased red blood cells or hemoglobin, leading to reduced oxygen transport
• Consequences: Tissues/organs deprived of oxygen

Key Points

• Most common type of anemia
• Iron is essential for hemoglobin production
• Low iron leads to fewer red blood cells and less hemoglobin
• Symptoms may initially be vague, become noticeable with progression
• Diagnosed with CBC, iron levels, or a blood smear test
• Treatment includes dietary changes, iron-rich foods, supplementation

Pathophysiology

• Role of Red Blood Cells (RBCs): Transport oxygen and remove carbon dioxide
• Hemoglobin: Protein in RBCs containing iron, critical for oxygen transport
• Iron's Role: 70% of body’s iron in hemoglobin
• Insufficient Iron: Leads to low hemoglobin, RBCs, and thus low oxygen levels

Causes of Iron Deficiency Anemia

1. Poor Intake
   • Pregnancy (increased fetal demand)
   • Poor diet or malnourishment
   • Vegetarian diets lacking iron
2. Absorption Problems
   • Intestinal surgeries (e.g., gastric bypass)
   • Celiac disease or small intestine removal
3. Blood Loss
   • Heavy menstruation
   • GI bleeding, ulcers, hemorrhoids

Signs and Symptoms

• Mnemonic: LOW IRON
  • L: Lethargic
  • O: Over exerted 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), Neuro changes (poor concentration, moodiness)

Nursing Interventions

• Monitoring: Bleeding, hemoglobin, hematocrit levels, signs and symptoms
• Education
  • Iron supplements: Take on empty stomach, with vitamin C
  • Avoid taking with milk, calcium, or antacids (wait 2 hours)
  • Stool may be dark but not tarry or bloody
  • Liquid iron: Use straw, brush teeth to avoid staining
  • Prevent constipation: Hydration, possible stool softeners
• Dietary Advice
  • Mnemonic: EAT LOTS OF IRON
  • E: Egg yolks
  • A: Apricots
  • T: Tofu
  • L: Legumes, leafy greens
  • O: Oysters
  • T: Tuna
  • S: Sardines, seeds
  • O: Potatoes
  • F: Fish (halibut, haddock, salmon)
  • I: Iron-fortified cereals/breads
  • R: Red meats, raisins
  • O: Poultry
  • N: Nuts

Additional Resources

• Visit RegisterNurseRN.com for quizzes and more information
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