Case Study: Iron Deficiency Anemia Patient Information:
• Name: John Doe • Age: 35 • Gender: Male • Occupation: Construction Worker • Medical History: No significant medical history reported.
Presenting Complaint: John Doe presents to the clinic with complaints of fatigue, weakness, and shortness of breath on exertion for the past few months. He reports feeling unusually tired, even after a full night’s sleep, and has noticed increased paleness of his skin and conjunctiva.
Physical Examination Findings:
• Vital Signs: BP 120/80 mmHg, HR 80 bpm, RR 16 breaths/min, Temp 98.6°F
• General: Pale skin and conjunctiva, fatigue apparent
• Cardiovascular: Regular rhythm, no murmurs or abnormal sounds
• Respiratory: Clear lung fields bilaterally
• Abdomen: Soft, non-tender, no organomegaly
• Neurological: Intact cranial nerves, normal motor and sensory functions
Laboratory Investigations: • Hemoglobin (Hb): 9.5 g/dL (Normal range: 13.5-17.5 g/dL) • Hematocrit (Hct): 29% (Normal range: 40-50%) • Mean Corpuscular Volume (MCV): 75 fL (Normal range: 80-100 fL) • Serum Iron: 25 mcg/dL (Normal range: 60-170 mcg/dL) • Total Iron Binding Capacity (TIBC): 400 mcg/dL (Normal range: 250-450 mcg/dL) • Ferritin: 10 ng/mL (Normal range: 30-400 ng/mL)
Diagnosis: John Doe is diagnosed with iron deficiency anemia based on his clinical presentation, physical examination findings, and laboratory results.
Questions for Students:
1. What are the common signs and symptoms of iron deficiency anemia?
2. Explain the laboratory findings in John Doe’s case and how they support the diagnosis of iron deficiency anemia.
3. What are the potential causes of iron deficiency anemia in adults, and how would you approach further investigations in this patient?
4. Discuss the treatment options for iron deficiency anemia, including dietary recommendations and pharmacological intervention.
Students much review the case study and answer all questions with a scholarly response using APA and include 2 scholarly references
All answers to case studies must-have reference cited in the text for each answer and a minimum of 2 Scholarly References (Journals, books) (No websites) per case Study
Case Study: Iron Deficiency Anemia
Questions and Answers
- What are the common signs and symptoms of iron deficiency anemia?
Common signs and symptoms of iron deficiency anemia include fatigue, weakness, pallor (pale skin and mucous membranes), shortness of breath on exertion, dizziness, cold hands and feet, brittle nails, and unusual cravings for non-nutritive substances (pica) such as ice or dirt (McLean et al., 2015; Short & Domagalski, 2013). In severe cases, individuals may experience chest pain, headaches, and restless legs syndrome.
- Explain the laboratory findings in John Doe’s case and how they support the diagnosis of iron deficiency anemia.
John Doe’s laboratory findings indicate iron deficiency anemia. His hemoglobin (Hb) level is 9.5 g/dL, which is below the normal range of 13.5-17.5 g/dL, indicating anemia. The hematocrit (Hct) is 29%, below the normal range of 40-50%, further supporting the diagnosis of anemia. The mean corpuscular volume (MCV) is 75 fL, which is below the normal range of 80-100 fL, indicating microcytic (small red blood cells) anemia, commonly seen in iron deficiency. Serum iron is 25 mcg/dL (normal: 60-170 mcg/dL), and ferritin is 10 ng/mL (normal: 30-400 ng/mL), both significantly low, indicating depleted iron stores. The total iron-binding capacity (TIBC) is elevated at 400 mcg/dL (normal: 250-450 mcg/dL), which is common in iron deficiency anemia as the body increases the production of transferrin to capture more iron (Camaschella, 2015; Killip et al., 2007).
- What are the potential causes of iron deficiency anemia in adults, and how would you approach further investigations in this patient?
Potential causes of iron deficiency anemia in adults include chronic blood loss (e.g., gastrointestinal bleeding, heavy menstrual periods), inadequate dietary iron intake, malabsorption syndromes (e.g., celiac disease, inflammatory bowel disease), and increased iron requirements (e.g., during pregnancy). For John Doe, further investigations should include a detailed dietary history, stool tests for occult blood to rule out gastrointestinal bleeding, and possibly endoscopic evaluations (colonoscopy and gastroscopy) if occult blood is detected. Additionally, assessing for conditions that might impair iron absorption, such as celiac disease or Helicobacter pylori infection, could be warranted (Camaschella, 2015; Short & Domagalski, 2013).
- Discuss the treatment options for iron deficiency anemia, including dietary recommendations and pharmacological intervention.
Treatment options for iron deficiency anemia include dietary modifications and pharmacological interventions. Increasing dietary intake of iron-rich foods, such as red meat, poultry, fish, legumes, dark green leafy vegetables, and iron-fortified cereals, is recommended. Vitamin C-rich foods (e.g., citrus fruits, tomatoes) should be consumed to enhance iron absorption, while foods and beverages that inhibit iron absorption (e.g., tea, coffee, dairy products) should be limited around meal times (Killip et al., 2007).
Pharmacological treatment involves oral iron supplements, such as ferrous sulfate, taken on an empty stomach to maximize absorption. Common side effects include gastrointestinal discomfort, constipation, and dark stools. In cases where oral iron is not tolerated or insufficient, intravenous iron therapy may be considered (Camaschella, 2015). Treatment should continue for several months after hemoglobin levels normalize to replenish iron stores.
References
Camaschella, C. (2015). Iron-deficiency anemia. New England Journal of Medicine, 372(19), 1832-1843. https://doi.org/10.1056/NEJMra1401038
Killip, S., Bennett, J. M., & Chambers, M. D. (2007). Iron deficiency anemia. American Family Physician, 75(5), 671-678.
McLean, E., Cogswell, M., Egli, I., Wojdyla, D., & de Benoist, B. (2015). Worldwide prevalence of anemia, WHO Vitamin and Mineral Nutrition Information System, 1993-2005. Public Health Nutrition, 12(4), 444-454. https://doi.org/10.1017/S1368980008002401
Short, M. W., & Domagalski, J. E. (2013). Iron deficiency anemia: Evaluation and management. American Family Physician, 87(2), 98-104.