Assignment: Case Study Iron Deficiency Anemia

Answer the five questions about the case study using the book and lecture notes as your resource. 

Maria is a 15-year-old adolescent, and her mother has accompanied her to the clinic for a well-child visit. Maria appears pale and has a hemoglobin level of 10.8 g/100 mL. Maria’s mother states that she has been more tired lately, often taking a nap after school, and has had several colds over the winter. When asked about her diet, Maria acknowledges that she often skips breakfast, eats a sandwich and soda for lunch at school, and has a hot meal (meat, vegetables, and starch) for dinner at home with her family. Maria is diagnosed with iron-deficiency anemia, and an iron supplement is prescribed. Her mother says that she had considered starting Maria on “vitamins” with an iron supplement, but decided to wait because she was scheduled for her well-child check-up.

Answer the following questions:

1. What are the symptoms of iron-deficiency anemia? Does Maria have any of these?

2. Why are adolescent girls at risk for iron deficiency anemia? 

3. What is the daily iron recommendation for women of childbearing years?

4. What information can you give Maria and her mother on food sources rich in iron?  Think about the 2 types.

5. What can you suggest to them about how to maximize iron absorption from food? What can inhibit iron absorption?