Which assessment findings are characteristic of iron deficiency anemia in a client with anemia who has been admitted to the medical-surgical unit?

When someone is diagnosed with having anemia, usually they have undergone a blood test. The blood test determines that there are very low levels of iron in their blood or otherwise they are known to have an iron deficiency and they are anemic. To have higher levels, the patient can do one of two things which are to increase their iron intake by eating more spinach, leafy greens and certain proteins or they can take supplements.

If the doctor decides to do an assessment of a client who has characteristics of iron deficiency anemia and is admitted to the medical surgical unit, the doctor will look for dyspnea which is not being able to catch one’s breath, as well as tachycardia and pallor.

Dyspnea, tachycardia, and pallor-rationale: signs of iron deficiency anemia include dyspnea, tachycardia, and pallor, as well as fatigue, listlessness, irritability, and headache. night sweats, weight loss, and diarrhea may signal acquired immunodeficiency syndrome. nausea, vomiting, and anorexia may be signs of hepatitis b. itching, rash, and jaundice may result from an allergic or hemolytic reaction.client needs category: physiological integrityclient needs subcategory: physiological adaptationcognitive level: applicationreference: smeltzer, s.c., et al. brunner and suddarths textbook of medical surgical-nursing, 11th ed. philadelphia: lippincott williams & wilkins, 2008, p. 1046.