NR 507: Advanced Pathophysiology
ANEMIA DISEASE PROCESS 1
Anemia Disease Process
Chamberlain College of Nursing
NR 507: Advanced Pathophysiology
March 2019
, NR 507: Advanced Pathophysiology
ANEMIA DISEASE PROCESS 2
Anemia Disease Process
Anemia is a condition in which the body does not have the proper amount of red blood
cells to carry hemoglobin throughout the body. There are many different reasons as to why one
might have the diagnosis of Anemia.
Etiology and Risk Factors
Iron deficiency anemia (IDA) occurs when there is not enough iron absorbed from one’s
diet. These individuals either do not consume enough iron or have an excessive iron loss.
Iron deficiency can also occur from trauma resulting in excessive blood loss. Some causes
included:
o Decrease iron intake due to poor intake (19%)
o Impaired absorption of iron (41%)
o Gastric surgery (10%)
o Celiac disease (6%)
o Pica
o Gastrointestinal Bleed (56%)
o Hemorrhoids (16%)
o Pregnancy/lactation (6%)
o Unknown cause (17%) (Epocrates, 2019)
Anyone can develop IDA at any time, but there are some who are more prone than others.
Women are at a higher risk due to menstruation which is related to blood loss. Infants that are
born with low birth weight or children going through a growth spurt are at risk for anemia.
Individuals who do not eat meat, vegetarians, do not consume enough iron in their diet due to not
eating meat or other iron-rich foods (Mayo Clinic, 2016. People who are frequent blood donors
ANEMIA DISEASE PROCESS 1
Anemia Disease Process
Chamberlain College of Nursing
NR 507: Advanced Pathophysiology
March 2019
, NR 507: Advanced Pathophysiology
ANEMIA DISEASE PROCESS 2
Anemia Disease Process
Anemia is a condition in which the body does not have the proper amount of red blood
cells to carry hemoglobin throughout the body. There are many different reasons as to why one
might have the diagnosis of Anemia.
Etiology and Risk Factors
Iron deficiency anemia (IDA) occurs when there is not enough iron absorbed from one’s
diet. These individuals either do not consume enough iron or have an excessive iron loss.
Iron deficiency can also occur from trauma resulting in excessive blood loss. Some causes
included:
o Decrease iron intake due to poor intake (19%)
o Impaired absorption of iron (41%)
o Gastric surgery (10%)
o Celiac disease (6%)
o Pica
o Gastrointestinal Bleed (56%)
o Hemorrhoids (16%)
o Pregnancy/lactation (6%)
o Unknown cause (17%) (Epocrates, 2019)
Anyone can develop IDA at any time, but there are some who are more prone than others.
Women are at a higher risk due to menstruation which is related to blood loss. Infants that are
born with low birth weight or children going through a growth spurt are at risk for anemia.
Individuals who do not eat meat, vegetarians, do not consume enough iron in their diet due to not
eating meat or other iron-rich foods (Mayo Clinic, 2016. People who are frequent blood donors
