General Nursing©

ANEMIA

Some nursing cares to consider:

1. Measure temperature of bath water with thermometer because anemia may cause poor circulation.
2. Provide blankets and warm clothing to increase comfort and aid circulation.
3. Notify physician if excessive vomiting, coughing or straining at stools occurs so that medication can be prescribed to alleviate symptom.
4. Avoid aspirin-containing products to prevent bleeding.
5. Avoid forceful blowing.
6. Avoid contact on gingival when brushing and flossing teeth.
7. Avoid situations in which trauma may occur, such as shaving with straight-edge razor, ambulating after taking medication that may cause orthostasis, or using sharp utensils.
8. Avoid purseful sexual intercourse and use adequate lubrication.
9. Avoid rectal thermometers, suppositories, and enemas.
10. Avoid heating pads or hot water bottles.
11. Iron salts are gastric irritants and should always be taken following meals.
12. Iron preparation taken on empty stomach cause dyspepsia, abdominal discomfort, and diarrhea
13. Liquid iron preparations should be well diluted and taken through a straw (undiluted liquid iron stains teeth).
14. Use of stool softeners or laxative to avoid PRN to avoid straining.
15. Ascorbic acid (Vitamin C) promotes iron absorption, thus iron preparations should be taken with orange juice.
    16. Bowel movements will be black from excess iron excretion.
16. Iron supplements usually given for at least 6 months to restore body stores.
17. Keep skin clean and bedclothes dry.
18. Encourage diet high in protein, vitamins, and minerals.
19. Encourage cool, bland foods; flavored ices and ice cream are well tolerated.
20. Monitor Hb/Hct and assess whether other factors (e.g., nutritional deficiencies, fluid and electrolyte disorders, depression, etc.) are contributing to symptomatology.
21. Assess activity schedule and suggest daily activities that allow for rest periods.
22. Transfuse whole blood and packed red blood cells as ordered by physician.

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