Iron Deficiency Anemia
Many people are affected by anemia. “Iron deficiency anemia is a common type of anemia, especially among women and people who have a diet low in iron” (ASH, n.d.). Iron supplement is the treatment for this anemia This paper discuses the case of Ms A. who has anemia. It discusses identification of anemia and rationale and patient diagnosis.
Identification of Anemia and Rationale
Ms A. a 26 year old white women has shortness of breath, low levels of energy, light- headed, elevated heart rate, elevated respiration and low blood pressure. She has menorrhagia and dysmenorrheal for 10-12 years. She takes aspirin to relieve menstrual pain and joint stiffness while playing golf. Laboratory values shows low hemoglobin 8g/dl (normal value:12.0- 15.5gm/dl), low Hematocrit 32% ( normal value: 34.9-44.5%), low Erythrocyte count 3.1x10/mm ( normal value 3.90-5.03 x10/mm), Reticulocyte count 1.5% ( normal is 0.5%- 1.5%) and RBC smear showed microcytic and hypochromic cells. Based on these observation Ms A. has most likely having iron …show more content…
However, other test and treatments may be required if there is an internal bleeding. Medical history, physical examination, lab results and procedure are important tool to diagnose iron deficiency anemia. Medical history looks for any previous problem of low iron, any medicine that leads to low iron, diet etc. Physical examination assess for pale skin, gums nail beds, listen to heart and lung sound for any abnormalities, palpate abdomen to check for liver and spleen size, pelvic and rectal examination to see any bleeding. Blood test like complete blood count, serum ferritin, iron, total iron- binding capacity and transferrin are all low in iron deficiency anemia. The white blood count may be low and platelet count may be high. Other test like fecal occult blood test can be done to check blood in the stool. If the test is positive more test and procedure can be performed to detect for the
Identification of Anemia and Rationale
Ms A. a 26 year old white women has shortness of breath, low levels of energy, light- headed, elevated heart rate, elevated respiration and low blood pressure. She has menorrhagia and dysmenorrheal for 10-12 years. She takes aspirin to relieve menstrual pain and joint stiffness while playing golf. Laboratory values shows low hemoglobin 8g/dl (normal value:12.0- 15.5gm/dl), low Hematocrit 32% ( normal value: 34.9-44.5%), low Erythrocyte count 3.1x10/mm ( normal value 3.90-5.03 x10/mm), Reticulocyte count 1.5% ( normal is 0.5%- 1.5%) and RBC smear showed microcytic and hypochromic cells. Based on these observation Ms A. has most likely having iron …show more content…
However, other test and treatments may be required if there is an internal bleeding. Medical history, physical examination, lab results and procedure are important tool to diagnose iron deficiency anemia. Medical history looks for any previous problem of low iron, any medicine that leads to low iron, diet etc. Physical examination assess for pale skin, gums nail beds, listen to heart and lung sound for any abnormalities, palpate abdomen to check for liver and spleen size, pelvic and rectal examination to see any bleeding. Blood test like complete blood count, serum ferritin, iron, total iron- binding capacity and transferrin are all low in iron deficiency anemia. The white blood count may be low and platelet count may be high. Other test like fecal occult blood test can be done to check blood in the stool. If the test is positive more test and procedure can be performed to detect for the