Patient/caregiver was educated on complications of acute iron deficiency anemia as follows:
- Increased risk for infections: Optimum oxygen delivery is important for normal function of body tissues and their ability to fight infections. Low oxygen delivery to tissues in anemic patients leads to compromised function of the tissues and increased susceptibility for infections.
- Dizziness and confusion: Brain and nervous tissues are highly dependent on oxygen supply for their normal function. Reduced oxygen and nutrient delivery to the brain in anemic individuals, can result in headache, dizziness, slowing of thought process, and confusion, which can contribute to increased risk for falls and accidents.
- Poorly managed iron deficiency anemia in pregnant women can result in birth of premature and low birth weight babies. Poor oxygen delivery to tissues in anemic patients result in stunted growth and development in children and young adults.
