Care Plan for Anemia Management

Category / Primary Body System

• Hematologic System

Problem

• Resident has anemia.

Goal

• Resident’s lab values will be within normal limits for the next 90 days.

Plan/Approach

1. Monitoring and Assessment

   • Monitor for signs and symptoms of anemia, including pallor, fatigue, tachycardia, hypotension, dizziness, headaches, sensitivity to cold, palpitations, and weakness.
   • Report any signs or symptoms of anemia to the MD immediately.

2. Lab Work

   • Draw labs as ordered, monitor results, and report to the attending physician promptly.

3. Medication Management

   • Administer supplements (e.g., iron, vitamin B12, folic acid) as ordered, and monitor the patient’s tolerance and response to these medications.

4. Nutritional Support

   • Encourage adequate nutritional and fluid intake, emphasizing iron-rich foods, vitamins, and minerals.
   • Review the resident’s nutritional status as needed, and consult with the house dietician as ordered.

5. Activity Management

   • Assist with activities as needed, particularly when the patient experiences weakness and fatigue, to prevent falls and ensure safety.

6. Education and Support

   • Provide education to the resident and family about anemia, its symptoms, treatment options, and the importance of dietary and medication adherence.

Rationale

1. Monitoring and Assessment

   • Regular monitoring helps detect early signs of anemia and allows for prompt intervention, reducing the risk of complications.

2. Lab Work

   • Routine lab tests provide critical data on the patient’s hemoglobin, hematocrit, and other relevant blood parameters, guiding treatment decisions.

3. Medication Management

   • Proper administration of supplements ensures that the patient receives necessary nutrients to improve anemia and monitor for any adverse effects.

4. Nutritional Support

   • Adequate nutrition is crucial for managing anemia, and a diet rich in iron and other essential nutrients supports overall health and recovery.

5. Activity Management

   • Assisting with activities ensures the patient remains active while minimizing the risk of injury due to fatigue or weakness.

6. Education and Support

   • Educating the patient and family about anemia and its management empowers them to participate actively in care and adhere to treatment plans.

Actions

1. Monitoring and Assessment

   • Check for signs of anemia daily, documenting any findings and reporting them to the MD.
   • Monitor vital signs regularly to detect any changes related to anemia.

2. Lab Work

   • Draw and review lab results as ordered, documenting findings and communicating them to the attending physician.

3. Medication Management

   • Administer prescribed supplements on schedule, monitoring for effectiveness and any side effects.
   • Document the patient’s response to supplements and report any adverse reactions to the MD.

4. Nutritional Support

   • Encourage the patient to consume iron-rich foods, such as lean meats, leafy greens, and fortified cereals.
   • Ensure adequate fluid intake to support overall health.
   • Consult the dietician as needed to tailor the nutritional plan to the patient’s needs.

5. Activity Management

   • Assist the patient with activities of daily living (ADLs) as needed, providing support to prevent falls and manage fatigue.
   • Encourage light physical activity to promote circulation and overall well-being.

6. Education and Support

   • Educate the patient and family on the importance of adhering to dietary recommendations and taking supplements as prescribed.
   • Provide written and verbal information about anemia, its symptoms, and management strategies.