Patient was educated on signs and symptoms of anemia as follows:
- Red cells in the blood carry oxygen and nutrients to all the tissues in the body.
- Anemic patients have low red blood cell count, contributing to deficient oxygen and nutrient transport to the tissues.
- The major symptoms of anemia arise from deficient transport oxygen and nutrients to the tissues by the red cells.
- Since the oxygen and nutrient supply is deficient to the organs, it compromises the function of various tissues in the body.
- Consequently, patients can present with the following signs and symptoms.
- Reduced oxygen pick-up: Low red cell count in anemia leads to reduced oxygen pick-up in the lungs. Low oxygen pick-up results in deficient oxygen supply to all vital organs.
- Shortness of breath: Low oxygen pick-up in anemic individuals leads to deficient oxygen supply to all vital organs, resulting in dyspnea, compromised endurance, and exacerbation of SOB.
- Chest pain and discomfort: Heart muscle is highly dependent on oxygen supply for normal function. Anemia, secondary to reduced supply of oxygenated blood to the heart muscle, can result in episodes of chest pain and discomfort.
- Cold extremities: Rich supply of blood and oxygen to the distal extremities is needed for maintenance of warmth. Low blood cell count with deficient oxygen supply in anemic individuals result in cold extremities to touch.
