ADVANCED PATHOPHYSIOLOGY DERTY Module 2 Discussion
Advanced Pathophysiology Module 2 Discussion 2 Student’s Name University Course Professor Date Hematopoietic Contributing Factors for Iron Deficiency Anemia J.D., a 37-year-old woman, exhibits multiple risk factors for developing iron deficiency anemia (Wiafe et al., 2023). She has been experiencing intermenstrual bleeding and menorrhagia for two months, resulting in chronic blood loss and subsequent iron depletion. Moreover, her recent pregnancy history, with four pregnancies in four years, has likely heightened her iron requirements due to the fetus's and placenta's developmental needs. Why Constipation and Dehydration J.D.'s constipation and mild incontinence can be attributed to multiple factors. The utilization of diuretics in managing hypertension may lead to heightened urinary frequency and slight dehydration, which can potentially contribute to constipation (Arumugham & Shahin, 2020). The recent pregnancies she underwent may have impacted her pelvic floor muscles, potentially leading to the development of mild incontinence. Moreover, her persistent iron deficiency can affect the muscular tone of her gastrointestinal tract, resulting in constipation. Importance of Vitamin B12 and Folic Acid in Erythropoiesis Vitamin B12 and folic acid are essential for erythropoiesis, the red blood cell production process. Both vitamins are necessary for DNA synthesis and cell maturation (Wiafe et al., 2023). Deficiency in either vitamin can lead to megaloblastic anemia, characterized by the production of abnormally large and immature red blood cells. Clinical Symptoms of Iron Deficiency Anemia J.D. displays clinical symptoms indicative of iron deficiency anemia, resulting from the reduced oxygen-carrying capacity of her blood. Fatigue and weakness often occur due to compromised oxygen transportation. The insufficiency is apparent through pallor in her skin and mucous membranes. Tachycardia, a heightened heart rate, arises in response to compensate for decreased oxygen delivery. Breathlessness occurs when the body struggles to provide adequate oxygen to its tissues. The condition also causes cold extremities due to insufficient oxygen supply to peripheral regions.