Iron Deficiency Anemia Book 2 (See page 225)
The client is an 8-month-old baby girl, admitted to a community hospital pediatric unit to rule out iron
deficiency anemia. She lives in a single-parent home with her mother, grandmother, and two older
siblings. Anemia is suspected because of the client’s fatigue during feedings and play and her pale skin.
Her weight is appropriate for her age at 50% on the growth chart issued by the National Center for
Health Statistics (NCHS). The client has started solid foods recently, and has been given cow’s milk since 1
month of age.
The client’s diagnostic findings are as follows:
Chemistry profile:
TIBC 450 ug/dL, Serum Fe 12 ug/dL
Hematology:
Hgb 8 g/dL. 30%
Her admission orders call for oral ferrous sulfate, vitamin C supplements, oxygen by nasal cannula, and
iron-fortified formula, and cereals.
1.
How can the client’s weight be appropriate for her age with a condition such as iron deficiency
anemia?
2.
How are the client’s clinical manifestations and iron deficiency anemia related?
3.
How are the client’s laboratory findings significant?
4.
Why is the client receiving oxygen?
5.
What teaching or other care is necessary for the client’s mother?
6.
What are the advantages of delaying judgement about the mother’s care of this child until all the
facts are available?
7.
What affective and cognitive critical thinking skills did you use for this case?
