Chapter 10: Special Nutritional Considerations for Hematologic HealthContent check — Nutrition, Chapter 10: Special Nutritional Considerations for Hematologic Health

Read the following clinical scenario and then answer the questions that follow. This case study will evolve throughout the chapter.

The nurse prepares to assess Catalina for more details about her past medical history and current health concerns. Catalina reports that prior to the past few months, she had felt great and had managed her grades and social life well. She does not take any medications regularly, including daily vitamins. Her mother confirms that she has no significant past medical issues, which makes her current symptoms more concerning. Catalina never complains and has always prioritized her grades. Catalina and her mother confirm that nothing has changed in their social circumstances, and Catalina denies symptoms of depression.

The nurse is aware that adolescent females are at risk for anemia and ID once menstruation begins and therefore takes a detailed menstrual bleeding history. Catalina reports that she has had regular menstrual cycles lasting 5–7 days since age 13 years but has noticed an increase in the heaviness of her flow this school year. She further says that her use of sanitary pads has increased, and she must change her pad every 1–2 hours during the day and night. The nurse recognizes this as a sign of heavy menstrual bleeding and notifies the health care provider of her concern that Catalina may be anemic and iron deficient.

Read the following clinical scenario and then answer the questions that follow. This case study will evolve throughout the chapter.

The nurse prepares to assess Catalina for more details about her past medical history and current health concerns. Catalina reports that prior to the past few months, she had felt great and had managed her grades and social life well. She does not take any medications regularly, including daily vitamins. Her mother confirms that she has no significant past medical issues, which makes her current symptoms more concerning. Catalina never complains and has always prioritized her grades. Catalina and her mother confirm that nothing has changed in their social circumstances, and Catalina denies symptoms of depression.

The nurse is aware that adolescent females are at risk for anemia and ID once menstruation begins and therefore takes a detailed menstrual bleeding history. Catalina reports that she has had regular menstrual cycles lasting 5–7 days since age 13 years but has noticed an increase in the heaviness of her flow this school year. She further says that her use of sanitary pads has increased, and she must change her pad every 1–2 hours during the day and night. The nurse recognizes this as a sign of heavy menstrual bleeding and notifies the health care provider of her concern that Catalina may be anemic and iron deficient.

Read the following clinical scenario and then answer the questions that follow. This case study is a follow-up to Case Study Part A.

Catalina’s health care provider confirms that her physical exam is normal other than signs of pallor. A complete blood count (CBC) and ferritin level are ordered to evaluate for ID and anemia. Catalina is also referred to a gynecologist for further evaluation of her heavy menstrual bleeding.

Catalina’s laboratory test results reveal a hemoglobin level of 7 g/dL (expected range: 12–15 g/dL) and a ferritin level of 9 ng/mL (expected range: 12–150 ng/mL), confirming IDA. She is started on oral iron replacement and counseled on foods to avoid while taking oral iron for better absorption. She is also encouraged to add iron-rich foods to her diet daily and to return in 6 weeks.

At her 6-week follow-up visit, Catalina reports that she is feeling less tired, and her shortness of breath has resolved. Her hemoglobin level at this visit is 10 g/dL. She has also been evaluated by a gynecologist and started on oral birth control pills to decrease her heavy menstrual bleeding. Catalina is instructed to continue oral iron therapy for at least 2 more months and then return for follow-up.

Read the following clinical scenario and then answer the questions that follow. This case study is a follow-up to Case Study Part A.

Catalina’s health care provider confirms that her physical exam is normal other than signs of pallor. A complete blood count (CBC) and ferritin level are ordered to evaluate for ID and anemia. Catalina is also referred to a gynecologist for further evaluation of her heavy menstrual bleeding.

Catalina’s laboratory test results reveal a hemoglobin level of 7 g/dL (expected range: 12–15 g/dL) and a ferritin level of 9 ng/mL (expected range: 12–150 ng/mL), confirming IDA. She is started on oral iron replacement and counseled on foods to avoid while taking oral iron for better absorption. She is also encouraged to add iron-rich foods to her diet daily and to return in 6 weeks.

At her 6-week follow-up visit, Catalina reports that she is feeling less tired, and her shortness of breath has resolved. Her hemoglobin level at this visit is 10 g/dL. She has also been evaluated by a gynecologist and started on oral birth control pills to decrease her heavy menstrual bleeding. Catalina is instructed to continue oral iron therapy for at least 2 more months and then return for follow-up.