nursing question

Question

1.  A young female comes in to the office complaining of fatigue. Upon a review of her dietary lifestyle you discover she is a vegan. She eats vegetable protein only. Lately she has been experiencing some unusually heavy menstrual activity. Laboratory findings reveal she has iron deficiency anemia. Which of the following is the appropriate intervention to include in the treatment plan for this patient at this time?

Answer 1

Both the vegan diet and the heavy menstrual bleeding point to an iron deficiency anemia. As a nurse what would you suggest this client do to address the anemia? Keep in mind that she is unlikely to add meat to her diet as she is vegan.

Answer 2

Hi Monica,

If folks are Vegan and not eating a balanced diet they are typically deficient in complete protein, iron and B12. As a nurse you could discuss supplements with her such a iron or a B complex. You could also request a referral to a nutritionist/dietician for meal planning support. For her heavy menses - further work up with her Primary Care Provider or GYN are indicated.

Remember the physiology here - she already is likely depleted due to low B12 and iron and now she's having heavy menstruation. Both iron and B12 are needed for red blood cell production so she's not "making enough RBCs" and she's bleeding - a bad combo. We need to get her body optimized to produce RBCs and address the bleeding.

Is that helpful?