Questions and Answers
What is anemia?
Disorder of too few or ineffective erythrocytes or RBC's, which alters the blood's ability to carry oxygen to cells.
What is the drug name and class for the treatment of anemia?
Ferrous Sulfate, Iron Supplement
The adult dosage for Ferrous Sulfate is ___ mg tid.
50 to 100
How is Ferrous Sulfate primarily absorbed in the body?
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What is the primary therapeutic use of Ferrous Sulfate?
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What is the action of Ferrous Sulfate in the body?
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Which of the following are adverse effects of Ferrous Sulfate? (Select all that apply)
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Ferrous Sulfate should be given to patients with peptic ulcer disease.
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Which foods should be avoided when taking Ferrous Sulfate? (Select all that apply)
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What can be done to enhance iron absorption when taking Ferrous Sulfate?
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What should parents be alerted to regarding Ferrous Sulfate?
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What nursing intervention is recommended for patients taking liquid Ferrous Sulfate?
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What can result from decreased absorption of ferrous sulfate after a colon resection?
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Study Notes
Anemia Overview
- Anemia is characterized by insufficient or ineffective erythrocytes (RBCs), affecting oxygen transport to cells.
Ferrous Sulfate
- Ferrous sulfate serves as an iron supplement used in the treatment of iron deficiency anemia.
Medication Administration
- Available forms include oral solutions, syrups, elixirs, drops, capsules, and tablets, as well as an IV solution.
- Dosage: Adults typically receive 50 to 100 mg three times daily; children receive 3 to 6 mg/kg administered orally in divided doses.
Absorption and Excretion
- Primarily absorbed in the duodenum or proximal jejunum of the small intestine.
- Transported to the bone marrow via blood proteins; minimal excretion occurs through urine, sweat, pores, and nails.
Therapeutic Uses
- Indicated for treating iron deficiency anemia, a common condition resulting from low iron levels.
Mechanism of Action
- Provides elemental iron, essential for hemoglobin (Hgb) formation, crucial for RBC oxygen-carrying capacity.
Adverse Effects
- Possible side effects include gastrointestinal upset, constipation, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, anorexia, and black stools.
- Liquid forms may stain teeth, and there is a risk of toxicity, especially in men and children.
Contraindications
- Oral administration is cautioned for patients with peptic ulcer disease or ulcerative colitis.
- Intravenous iron dextran is contraindicated in patients with a history of anaphylaxis or hypotension.
Drug and Food Interactions
- Antacids and certain antibiotics (e.g., tetracycline, fluoroquinolones) can impair iron absorption.
- Dairy products, cereals, eggs, milk, yogurt, breads, coffee, and tea should be avoided within two hours of iron intake.
Patient Education
- Instruct patients to take ferrous sulfate on an empty stomach, ideally without dairy, and encourage taking with Vitamin C or juice (avoid grapefruit juice).
- Black stools may occur, which could mask signs of gastrointestinal bleeding; follow-up blood testing is essential.
Safety Precautions
- Caution caregivers about the risk of fatal iron toxicity in children; even small amounts can be dangerous. Store iron supplements out of reach.
Nursing Interventions
- Monitor hemoglobin, hematocrit, and reticulocyte counts.
- Advise patients to take liquid forms through a straw or place drops in the back of the throat to reduce staining.
Clinical Considerations
- Post-operative patients with small intestine resection may have poor absorption of ferrous sulfate, leading to insufficient RBC production and potential severe health complications.
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Description
This quiz covers the essential aspects of anemia, including its definition, causes, and the role of ferrous sulfate as a treatment. Learn about different medication forms, their dosage, how iron is absorbed and excreted in the body, and its therapeutic uses in addressing iron deficiency anemia.
