Nursing care for patients with Anemia Kurdistan Regional Government of Iraq Ministry of Higher Education and Technical and vocational Institute of Behdinan Department of Nursing Second stage Submitted by: Riyadh Ahmed Kafya Haider Supervisor: Mrs. Rahma Suliman
Introduction to Anemia: Anemia occurs when there are not enough red blood cells or red blood cells do not function properly, resulting in low hemoglobin and a lack of oxygen throughout the body. Anemia is caused by blood loss, decreased red blood cell (RBC) production, or the destruction of RBCs. There are many types of anemia. While some anemias are mild and temporary, others can be chronic and lifelong. Anemia can develop from a poor diet, a genetic condition, cancer , autoimmune diseases, toxic chemicals, infection, or as a side effect of chronic conditions.
Definition and Causes of Anemia : Anemia occurs when the body doesn’t produce enough healthy red blood cells (RBCs) to carry an adequate amount of oxygen to tissues, leading to fatigue, weakness, and other symptoms. It can result from: Nutritional deficiencies Chronic diseases Blood loss Bone marrow disorders Identifying a nursing diagnosis related to Anemia helps guide effective care and intervention .
Common Symptoms of Anemia : Symptoms can range from mild to severe. This depends on the cause and how long it has been present. Fatigue Pallor Shortness of breath Dizziness Increased heart rate Cold hands and feet Brittle nails Headaches
Nursing Diagnoses for Anemia : Anemia impacts the patient’s daily life and physiological functions, forming the basis for each nursing diagnosis for an Anemia patient. Nurses identify these issues to guide appropriate interventions and improve patient outcomes.
Types of Anemia : Different types of Anemia require different approaches to care. Here are the most common types: Iron deficiency . Vitamin B12 deficiency (pernicious Anemia ). Folate deficiency . Hemolytic . Aplastic. Sickle cell .
Nursing care for patients with anemia : Nursing care for patients with anemia is holistic, focusing on improving fatigue, ensuring adequate tissue oxygenation, providing education, and monitoring for complications. The overarching goals are to: Maintain adequate tissue oxygenation and vital signs. Alleviate fatigue and conserve energy. Ensure adequate nutritional intake for RBC production. Prevent complications. Educate the patient and family about the condition and its management.