- All of the following are s/s of iron deficiency anemia EXCEPT:
a. rapid heartbeat
b. craving ice
c. tingling and numbness of the hands and/or feet
d. fatigue
Rationale: Tachycardia, pica, and fatigue are all s/s of iron deficiency anemia. Tingling and numbness are associated with pernicious anemia (vitamin B12 deficiency anemia) since B12 is needed for nerve function. - Iron deficiency anemia is the most common cause of anemia.
a. True
b. False
Rationale: Yes, iron deficiency is the most common cause of anemia in adults and is typically associated with blood loss. - In men and postmenopausal women, iron deficiency anemia typically indicates
a. brain bleed
b. GI bleeding
c. malabsorption of iron
d. insufficient dietary iron intake
Rationale: Blood loss is the most common cause of anemia in adults, and GI bleeding is often the cause. A brain bleed is typically contained within the cranium and has little effect on the H&H. Malabsorption is more common in younger patients, and insufficient iron intake is rare because many processed foods are iron-fortified. - Which of the following is the first mode of treatment for iron deficiency anemia
a. Vitamin B12
b. transfusion of packed RBCs (pRBCs)
c. supplemental iron
d. parenteral nutrition
Rationale: Diet and supplementation are usually the first mode of treatment for iron deficiency anemia. Transfusion and parenteral nutrition are reserved for severe cases of anemia. Vitamin B12 supplementation is needed for treating pernicious anemia. - Iron deficiency anemia causes fatigue and shortness of breath because
a. the body is out of hemostasis
b. RBCs cannot carry enough oxygen to the body
c. without iron, the lungs are weak
d. all of the above
Rationale: Without iron, hemoglobin decreases and RBCs have difficulty binding oxygen. Decreased iron does not make the lungs weak, although it decreases the amount of oxygen carried to the lungs to diffuse to blood and tissues. Iron deficiency does not directly cause the body to shift out of hemostasis.