Agents Used for Iron Deficiency Anemia

Question 1

Agents Used for Iron Deficiency Anemia: Names

Answer 1

Ferrous Asparate 
Ferrous Fumarate 
Ferrous Gluconate
Ferrous Sulfate
Iron Dextran
Iron Sucrose

Question 2

Agents Used for Iron Deficiency Anemia: Actions

Answer 2

Elevate the serum iron concentration

Question 3

Agents Used for Iron Deficiency Anemia: Indications

Answer 3

◦Treatment of iron deficiency anemias and may also be used as adjunctive therapy in patients receiving Epoetin Alfa

Question 4

Agents Used for Iron Deficiency Anemia: Contraindications

Answer 4

◦Allergy
◦Hemochromatosis
◦Hemolytic anemia
◦Normal iron balance
◦Peptic ulcer, colitis, or regional enteritis

Question 5

Agents Used for Iron Deficiency Anemia: Adverse effects

Answer 5

◦Oral - GI irritation and CNS toxicity
◦Parental iron is associated with severe anaphylactic reactions, local irritation, staining of the tissues, and phlebitis

Question 6

Agents Used for Iron Deficiency Anemia: Drug Interactions and Food Interactions

Answer 6

Drugs:
◦Antacids, tetracycline, cimetidine
◦Ciprofloxacin, norfloxacin, or ofloxacin
◦Chloramphenicol

Food:
◦Eggs, milk, coffee, tea
◦Acidic liquids

Question 7

Agents Used for Iron Deficiency Anemia: Assessment

Answer 7

◦History and physical exam
◦Allergy; colitis, enteritis, or peptic ulcer, hemolytic anemias
◦Skin, neurological status, VS and CV function and BS
◦Appropriate lab values

Question 8

Agents Used for Iron Deficiency Anemia: Nursing Diagnosis

Answer 8

◦Acute pain related to CNS or GI effects or parenteral administration
◦Nausea related to adverse GI effects
◦Constipation related to adverse GI effects
◦Disturbed body image related to drug staining of the skin from parenteral injection◦Risk for injury related to CNS effects
◦Deficient knowledge regarding drug therapy

Question 9

Agents Used for Iron Deficiency Anemia: Implementation

Answer 9

◦Ensure that iron deficiency anemia is confirmed before administering drugs
◦Consult with the physician to arrange for the treatment of the underlying cause of anemia if possible
◦Administer the oral form with meals that do not include eggs, milk, coffee, and tea
◦Caution the patient that stools may be dark or green
◦Take measures to help alleviate constipation
◦Administer IM only by the Z-track technique
◦Arrange for hematocrit and hemoglobin measurements before administration and periodically during therapy
◦Provide thorough patient teaching

Question 10

Agents Used for Iron Deficiency Anemia: Evaluation

Answer 10

◦Monitor patient response to the drug (alleviation of anemia)
◦Monitor for adverse effects (GI upset and reaction, CNS toxicity, coma)
◦Monitor the compliance with the regimen
◦Evaluate the effectiveness of the teaching plan