case study one and two

Case Study One

Ishwari Basnet

Grand Canyon University: NRS-410V

January 31, 2016

Iron Deficiency Anemia

There are many types of anemia; anemia is a medical condition when an individual lacks healthy red blood cells to carry oxygen in the body. One kind of anemia is iron deficiency anemia; this is a condition that occurs when the blood lacks adequate mineral, iron. In order to transport oxygen from the lungs to different organs and body tissues, iron is essential in order to make hemoglobin, a protein that is essential for oxygen transport. The lack of iron in the body depletes necessary oxygen, which lowers the function of the organs and body tissues (Cafasso & Nall, 2015). In the case of Ms. A, showing classic anemia symptoms, the paper studies the rationale methods of identifying iron deficiency anemia.

Identification of Anemia and Rationale

According to Ms. A’s symptoms, health history, and lab results, she is a iron deficient anemic. Ms. A has experienced multiple common symptoms that point to anemia like hypotension, fatigue, dyspnea, tachypnea, tachycardia, and is constantly light-headed due to the frequent blood loss. In addition to these symptoms, Ms. A has also experienced problems of extended continuous menstrual period of extreme bleeding for duration of 10-12 years. This indicates that she is experiencing chronic blood loss, which can result in becoming iron deficient. Another factor that contributes to her being iron deficient is her constant intake of aspirin during her period for joint stiffness. Studies have shown that continuous usage of an anti-inflammatory drug, like aspirin, has been shown to cause iron deficiency. Ms. A’s laboratory results also indicate iron deficiency due to her low hemoglobin level of 8 grams per deciliter and only 32% of hematocrit. These results are significantly low compared to the average results of a woman, whose hemoglobin levels are 12 grams per deciliter and 35 to 45% of hematocrit. Other lab results that would indicate iron deficiency anemia would be low Erythrocyte count of 3.1 x 10/mm, compared to normal RBC count of 4.10-5.10/mm, and more extensive lab reports of microcytic and hypochromic RBC smear.

Diagnosis

An individual can become iron deficient if there is a lack of iron in the blood. The lack of iron depletes the level of hemoglobin, and there is a decrease of oxygen flow from the lungs to the body. Thus, the symptoms of this condition are most commonly shortness of breath and constant fatigue due to the lack of oxygen in the body. The most common treatment of this condition is a prescription of iron supplement to help the body in binding with hemoglobin. This treatment is only a option if the case is simple, if there are further consequences of iron deficiency like internal bleeding, then there may be a need for further tests and extensive treatment (Iron deficiency anemia, n.d.). In this particular case, Ms. A, may need to undergo further tests analyzing her reproductive organs in order to decide if her prolonged bleeding is caused by her iron deficiency. Depending on each individual’s body, patients may not show any or show few symptoms in mild or moderate iron deficiency anemia, however, for extreme cases, the symptoms are usually obvious. Some of these symptoms can be paling of the skin, cold hands and feet, brittle nails, extreme and constant fatigue, restless leg syndrome, poor appetite, headaches and dizziness (Mayo Clinic).

It is vital to consider multiple aspects of a individual patients medical history, physical examinations, and lab results when diagnosing one with iron deficiency anemia. A patient’s medical history will allow the health worker to observe the patients history of iron count, diet, any previous, medical problems and any medications the patient might be using. Conducting a physical exam of the patient will allow the health care provider to examine for brittle nails, paleness of skins, and the opportunity to check for any unusual heart beating patterns, shortness of breath, and examination of pelvic and rectal area for internal bleeding. Lab results are also vital to diagnosing a patient with iron deficiency anemia because lab procedures can check the levels of hemoglobin, white blood cells, platelets and the size of RBC’s. These results then are checked against the normal numbers and levels, giving the health care provider more evidence for the diagnosis (Iron Deficiency Anemia, 2014).

In conclusion, the incapability to carry sufficient oxygen to body tissues and organs via the lack of healthy hemoglobin cells (binded to iron) is the medical condition, iron deficient anemia. The lack of oxygen in body tissue and organs can result in fatigued and weak patients, but can also cause more serious problems like internal bleeding. It is vital that one should visit the doctor if experiencing multiple of the common symptoms. Anemia can be an indicator of another serious illness and thus should be diagnosed as early as possible. Anemia can be most efficiently diagnosed via laboratory procedures, physical examinations and medical history. After positive diagnosis, the treatment can range depending on severity of the condition, iron deficiency can be treated with an iron supplement. It is important to include variety of vitamins in our diet in order to avoid anemia and other illnesses.

References