Why Vitamin B12 and folic acid are important ? What abnormalities their deficiency might cause?

NUR 502 Module 2 Discussion

Contributing Factors That Put J.D. at Risk of Developing Iron Deficiency Anemia

The illness known as iron deficiency anemia is common and has multiple underlying causes. Multiple factors increase J.D.’s risk of developing iron deficiency anemia. J.D. is a 37-year-old woman who presents with intermenstrual bleeding, menorrhagia, frequent urination, lethargy, and weakness. The obstetric history of J.D. is an important consideration. Given her G5P5 status and her four pregnancies in the last four years, including a recent vaginal delivery, she is particularly vulnerable to the increased iron demands of pregnancy and postpartum hemorrhage. J.D.’s symptoms of heavy flow and cramping, lasting for six days, adds significantly to iron loss.

When menorrhagia and intermenstrual bleeding are added, these symptoms create the impression of ongoing blood loss, which puts her at higher risk of iron deficiency anemia. One further significant factor is the long-term use of NSAIDs to treat osteoarthritis pain. J.D. has been using ibuprofen for 2.5 years, which increases the risk of iron deficiency and possible gastrointestinal bleeding.

Reasons Why J.D. Might Be Presenting Constipation and/or Dehydration

Dehydration is a worry because of her three-year history of hypertension, which has been managed with a diuretic and antihypertensive medication. Dehydration and constipation may result from a fluid imbalance caused by increased frequency of urination and moderate incontinence. Long-term ibuprofen use because of a history of knee damage could be the cause of J.D.’s constipation.

Why Vitamin B12 and folic acid are important ? What abnormalities their deficiency might cause?

Folic acid and vitamin B12 are essential for erythropoiesis, which is the process by which red blood cells mature. Their lack may cause erythropoiesis to be ineffective, which would produce more mature, bigger cells (macrocytes). When erythrocytes don’t divide correctly due to insufficient B12 and folic acid, macrocytic anemia results.

Symptoms Indicating J.D. Might Have Iron Deficiency Anemia

J.D. ‘s gynecologist suspected iron deficiency anemia based on clinical signs such as weakness, pallor, exhaustion, and shortness of breath. These symptoms are caused by a decreased ability to carry oxygen, which is a result of inadequate hemoglobin due to an iron shortage.

Signs of Iron Deficiency Anemia

The diagnosis is supported by the results of the laboratory tests, which show a low level of ferritin (9 ng/dL), a lowered hematocrit (30.8%), and an insufficient hemoglobin (Hb) of 10.2 g/dL. Iron deficiency anemia is further confirmed by smaller, paler-than-normal microcytic, hypochromic red blood cells. However, despite the high prevalence and the impact on quality of life, ID/IDA among fertile-age women remains underdiagnosed and undertreated (Petraglia & Dolmans, 2022).

Appropriate Recommendations and Treatments for J.D.

For J.D., appropriate advice and treatments include vitamin B12 and folic acid supplements to enhance erythropoiesis, iron supplementation to replace iron storage, and a comprehensive review of NSAID use to investigate alternative pain management options.  An iron-deficient state has been associated with and causes several adverse health consequences, affecting all aspects of women’s physical and emotional well-being ( Cappellini et al., 2022). A thorough intervention plan must address fluid imbalance by controlling hydration and closely monitoring and modifying hypertension therapy.

To sum up, J.D.’s case emphasizes how interrelated the conditions contributing to iron deficiency anemia are. To restore her iron status and general well-being, a comprehensive strategy that addresses her menstrual bleeding, medication use, and related symptoms is essential for an accurate diagnosis and customized therapies.

Cardiovascular

Modifiable and Non-Modifiable Risk Factors

The modifiable ones are those that can be managed and altered to modify the course of the disease and lower the impact. Major ones include lifestyle diseases that can actively hinder the overall health status of the individual (Brown et al., 2018). For instance, conditions such as diabetes and hypertension as well as obesity all play a role in elevating the chances of acute myocardial infarct.

On the other hand, the non-modifiable ones are those that cannot be effectively controlled as they can manifest even without the onset of the condition in the first place. These often include the patient’s age and ethnicity as well as their gender and