NM703-ANEMIA-MODULE 2 EXAM QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS
WITH COMPLETE SOLUTIONS VERIFIED GRADED A++
Iron deficiency anemia (IDA) is:
-the most common type of anemia
-caused by iron deficient impaired erythropoeisis
Common causes of IDA:
-chronic blood loss from either GI bleeds or menorrhagia*
-reduced dietary intake or malabsorption
What is important to consider as the cause when considering IDA?
-blood loss (repeated blood donations, GI bleeds, menorrhagia)
-particularly in older adults—GI bleeds, alcohol use, GI cancers
What is something important to rule out when considering the diagnosis of IDA?
-lead poisoning or aluminum toxicity
What is the first lab value that will be abnormal with IDA?
-low serum ferritin (low iron stores)
Why is it difficult to diagnose IDA in pregnancy?
-hemodilution of blood
-increased ferritin from physiology of inflammation from pregnancy
What are the labs that usually result from IDA?
-decreased reticulocytes (impaired erythropoesis due to reduced iron stores)
-decreased Hgb (reduced hgb production)
-decreased serum iron (decreased available iron)
, -decreased transferrin saturation (decreased transfer of iron)
-decreased serum ferritin (decreased iron stores)
-increased TIBC (increased uptake because iron stores are low)
-Microcytic (MCV <80)
Why is it important to correct IDA in pregnancy?
-can cause LBW, preterm delivery, learning deficits
Complications of untreated IDA for anyone?
-fatigue
-falls
-cardiovascular compromise
What is the typical treatment of IDA?
-most importantly—correct the underlying cause*
-temporary or indefinite supplementation of iron depending on the underlying cause*
-50-200 mg elemental iron per day in divided doses for tolerability
-continue for 4-6 months or until serum ferritin levels reach >50 or indefinitely if needed
Important education for patients needing oral iron supplementation?
-side effects include nausea, constipation, heartburn, upper GI discomfort, black
stools, diarrhea
-may take once a day and slowly increase to reduce side effects
-take 30 min before meals (food can decrease absorption)
-take with ascorbic acid to increase absorption (such as orange juice)
When are labs reflective of IDA correction with appropriate treatment?
WITH COMPLETE SOLUTIONS VERIFIED GRADED A++
Iron deficiency anemia (IDA) is:
-the most common type of anemia
-caused by iron deficient impaired erythropoeisis
Common causes of IDA:
-chronic blood loss from either GI bleeds or menorrhagia*
-reduced dietary intake or malabsorption
What is important to consider as the cause when considering IDA?
-blood loss (repeated blood donations, GI bleeds, menorrhagia)
-particularly in older adults—GI bleeds, alcohol use, GI cancers
What is something important to rule out when considering the diagnosis of IDA?
-lead poisoning or aluminum toxicity
What is the first lab value that will be abnormal with IDA?
-low serum ferritin (low iron stores)
Why is it difficult to diagnose IDA in pregnancy?
-hemodilution of blood
-increased ferritin from physiology of inflammation from pregnancy
What are the labs that usually result from IDA?
-decreased reticulocytes (impaired erythropoesis due to reduced iron stores)
-decreased Hgb (reduced hgb production)
-decreased serum iron (decreased available iron)
, -decreased transferrin saturation (decreased transfer of iron)
-decreased serum ferritin (decreased iron stores)
-increased TIBC (increased uptake because iron stores are low)
-Microcytic (MCV <80)
Why is it important to correct IDA in pregnancy?
-can cause LBW, preterm delivery, learning deficits
Complications of untreated IDA for anyone?
-fatigue
-falls
-cardiovascular compromise
What is the typical treatment of IDA?
-most importantly—correct the underlying cause*
-temporary or indefinite supplementation of iron depending on the underlying cause*
-50-200 mg elemental iron per day in divided doses for tolerability
-continue for 4-6 months or until serum ferritin levels reach >50 or indefinitely if needed
Important education for patients needing oral iron supplementation?
-side effects include nausea, constipation, heartburn, upper GI discomfort, black
stools, diarrhea
-may take once a day and slowly increase to reduce side effects
-take 30 min before meals (food can decrease absorption)
-take with ascorbic acid to increase absorption (such as orange juice)
When are labs reflective of IDA correction with appropriate treatment?
