SALMERO, Maria Alena Rose S.

SANOY, Kathleen Ann T.

DEFINITION of TERMS

Iron Deficiency – decreased total iron body content

Iron Deficiency Anemia – occurs when iron deficiency is severe enough to deminish Erythropoesis and cause the development of Anemia.

Erythropoesis – process of making RBC

Anemia –medical condition caused by

not having enough red blood cells in the

blood

Iron-is an essential mineral that is

needed to form Hemoglobin

Hemoglobin-an oxygen carrying protein

inside the Red Blood Cells

Things to know about iron deficiency

anemia

It’s characterized by deficient

hemoglobin synthesis.

It’s the most common

anemiaduring pregnancy

It affects 25% of all pregnancies

It can cause low fetal birth weight

and preterm birth.

Causes of Iron Deficiency

Anemia

Hemorrhage

Hemoglobinuria

Pregnancy

Malabsorption of Iron

Assessment Findings

Pallor

Fatigue

Pica

Exertional dyspnea

Listlessness

Tachycardia(if severe)

Test findings in Iron Deficiency

Anemia

Low hemoglobin level

Low hematocrit

Low serum iron level

Low serum ferritinlevel

Key Interventions in Iron

Deficiency Anemia

Encourage the use of prenatal vitamins

Monitor complete blood count and

ferritin levels

Assess the family’s dietary habits

Assess FHR

Encourage frequent rest periods

Administer iron supplement as ordered

by the physician