When providing nursing care for a patient with iron deficiency anemia, the most important aspect is making sure the patient and the family are well informed about the condition and the ways it can be corrected.
After the patient and family are educated about the causes of iron deficiency anemia, they can start taking the steps to fix the nutritional gaps with diet planning. Nurses (or dietitians/nutritionists) can help with the creation of a meal plan that includes lots of food with iron, as well as Vitamin C.
If a doctor deems it necessary for a patient to also be taking iron supplements, a nurse can create a medication plan for the patient to follow that is the correct dosage and fits their lifestyle.
It is important for nurses to be able to recognize the signs and lifestyles that could point to iron deficiency anemia as a problem. Additionally, it is important to know when basic diet changes or iron supplementation will not be, like in cases of hemorrhage that may require surgical consultation (Harper).
In the long term, follow up is necessary with patients to make sure they are responding to either their diet changes or medication. The iron supplementation can be adjusted to better fit the needs of the patient if the original prescription does not work perfectly (Harper).
Works Cited:
Harper, J. (n.d.). Iron Deficiency Anemia. Retrieved September 14, 2015.
http://emedicine.medscape.com/article/202333-overview#a7
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