Iron Deficiency Anemia - Essay Example

?Case Studies Case Study Considering the circumstances and preliminary workup report, Ms A is likely to be suffering from iron deficiency anemia. Iron deficiency anemia is the most common type of anemia that results from low levels of iron in the blood (Mody, Brown, Wechsler, 2003). Iron is the main component that makes up hemoglobin (the red pigments that give blood its red color). Other than giving the blood its color, hemoglobin is the main agent that transports oxygen from the lungs to various cells of a human body. Thus, low levels of iron in the blood means that the blood cannot transport sufficient oxygen to other part of the body. In normal condition iron absorption and assimilation is lower than other macro elements such as sodium. Iron deficiency results from loss of blood through severe hemorrhage resulting from injuries and menstruation in women. In such condition, the body loses iron at a rate that is above natural replenishment through dietary intake. According to the case study, Ms A is 26 years and hence she is at the height of her menstrual cycle. Possibly Ms A has never given birth and, therefore menstruation is the only major cause of blood loss from her body. The main factor supporting the diagnostic claim is her experience of dysmenorrheal. Dysmenorrheal is a throbbing pain on the lower abdomen caused by strong contraction of uterine muscles. The condition is associated with low levels of prostaglandin blood. Clearly, this shows that her body has low level of blood resulting from iron deficiency. Unlike other components that form the blood such as proteins and water, iron is less abundant in the body (Mody, Brown, Wechsler, 2003). Thus, low levels of iron would cause a shortage in blood supply and synthesis. In addition, Ms A usually experience Menorrhagia, which is an abnormal condition that results in prolonged menstrual cycle. Hemoglobin levels of 8 g/dl are below standards and hence a major symptom of iron deficiency anemia. Presence of microcytic and hypochromic cells in her blood smear indicate abnormality of hemoglobin. These conditions only results whenever a patient is experiencing an iron deficiency. Finally, Menorrhagia and dysmenorrheal are conditions that cause her muscle crump and hence her continued use of aspirin. Both conditions results from low levels of blood a condition that is associated with iron deficiency. Thus, the patient is likely to be suffering from iron deficiency anemia. Case Study #2 Cardiomyopathy and congestive heart failure are physiological conditions, which lower the heart pumping ability. This means that the heart cannot pump sufficient blood to meet the metabolic requirements of the body. Patients undergoing therapies and treatment for CHF condition require adequate care to enable them cope with their medication and lead a quality life. As a caregiver, I will purpose at identifying the best treatment plan for Mr. P and ensuring that he leads quality life. According to Mr. P’s background information, I will emphasis on lifestyle changes that are aimed at quality life. Thus, he will be required to adopt a new diet and a physical exercise routine. In addition, my approach will be aimed at empowering the patient into understanding their condition so that they can facilitate in improving their own health. I will also encourage his wife to contribute into the care-giving plan as a family caregiver. Treatment plan and rationale The patient will be required to undergo regular assessments for abnormal heart and lung sounds, blood pressure and pulses, skin temperature and oxygen saturation. This assessment will be aimed at ensuring that the patient is not at risk of acquiring other opportunistic conditions such as renal failure. Assessment of body temperature will provide information on accumulation of waste products in the bloodstream, which impairs oxygen intake and transportation. Assessing cardiac glucose will reduce cardiac workload hence minimize myocardial oxygen consumption. This assessment will facilitate dietary control and regular exercise. Family support particularly from his wife will be essential during the caring period. I will encourage the family to offer him support through encouragement and ensuring that he meets his daily dietary and exercise requirements. The best method to provide education to the patient and family members will be through participation (Pabst, 2011). This will require them to participate actively in activities and eating of the recommended foods. His wife will also need to adapt to eating the recommended diet to show encouragement to Mr. P. His diet will comprise low calories and high fiber foods, vegetables, fruits and adequate water. The patient will be discouraged from taking sugary and oily foods, alcohol, and smoking. Both the patient and his family members will learn how to prepare his food and the recommended portions for the patient. His exercise routine will involve walking and other less strenuous exercise such as cycling. The patient will also be required to improve on his socialization by visiting social places such as the local church. References Pabst, M. (2011). Caregiving and Nursing Care: Where are the Boundaries? Retrieved October 26, 2012 from http://www.nursetogether.com/Career/Career-Article/itemId/2193/Caregiving-So-Where-are-the-Boundaries.aspx#.UIt0FGd16nA Mody, R.J., Brown, P.I., Wechsler, D.S. (2003). Refractory iron deficiency anemia as the primary clinical manifestation of celiac disease. J. Pediatr. Hematol. Oncol. 25 (2): 169–72 Read More