Anemia Nursing Diagnosis & Care Plan

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1. What is Anemia?
2. Nursing Care Plans & Management
3. Nursing Assessment
4. Nursing Diagnoses for Anemia
5. Nursing Goals and Expected Outcomes
6. Nursing Interventions and Actions
7. Nursing Care Plan Examples for Anemia
8. Recommended Resources for Anemia Nursing Care
9. Simple Strategies for Optimizing Nursing Care for Anemia

Anemia is one of those conditions that can sneak up on patients, leaving them feeling constantly drained, dizzy, and out of breath — even after a full night’s sleep.

Whether it’s caused by low iron, vitamin deficiencies, chronic illness, or blood loss, nurses need to know how to spot the signs, assess the severity, and determine the appropriate nursing diagnosis for anemia. 

A well-structured nursing care plan for anemia helps guide interventions to manage symptoms and improve patient outcomes.

What is Anemia? 

To develop an effective care plan after an anemia nursing diagnosis, it’s important to understand what causes the condition and how it affects the body.

Definition and Causes 

Anemia occurs when the body doesn’t produce enough healthy red blood cells (RBCs) to carry an adequate amount of oxygen to tissues, leading to fatigue, weakness, and other symptoms. 

It can result from:

• Nutritional deficiencies
• Chronic diseases
• Blood loss
• Bone marrow disorders 

Identifying a nursing diagnosis related to anemia helps guide effective care and intervention.

Types of Anemia 

Different types of anemia require different approaches to care. 

Here are the most common types:

• Iron deficiency – Due to inadequate dietary intake, blood loss, or poor absorption. 

• Vitamin B12 deficiency (pernicious anemia) – Caused by a lack of intrinsic factor or insufficient B12 intake. 

• Folate deficiency – Results from inadequate folic acid intake, often seen in pregnancy or alcoholism. 

• Hemolytic – Occurs when the body destroys red blood cells faster than it produces them.

• Aplastic – A rare but serious condition where bone marrow fails to produce enough blood cells. 

• Sickle cell – A genetic disorder that causes misshapen RBCs leading to blockages and pain crises.  

Common Symptoms and Complications 

Symptoms can range from mild to severe. 

This depends on the cause and how long it has been present. 

Anemia can lead to serious complications if left untreated, affecting the heart, brain, and overall function. This is why early recognition and intervention are essential.

Symptoms

• Fatigue
• Pallor
• Shortness of breath
• Dizziness
• Increased heart rate
• Cold hands and feet
• Brittle nails
• Headaches 

Complications

• Heart failure
• Developmental delays (in children)
• Pregnancy complications  

Nursing Care Plans & Management 

Anemia affects multiple body systems, so nursing care addresses the root cause while managing symptoms. 

A well-structured nursing care plan for a patient with anemia ensures effective interventions to improve oxygenation, energy levels, and overall health.

Nursing Problem Priorities: Identifying High-Priority Concerns in Anemia Management 

Managing an anemia-related nursing diagnosis requires nurses to address the most pressing issues that impact energy levels, oxygen delivery, and overall patient well-being. 

Implementing effective nursing care plans for anemia helps address these concerns early, preventing complications and improving patient outcomes.

Key priorities include:

• Oxygenation and tissue perfusion 
• Fatigue and activity intolerance 
• Nutritional deficiencies 
• Bleeding risk 
• Cardiac workload and function

Nursing Assessment 

A thorough nursing assessment helps identify the cause of anemia and determine the best course of treatment.

Health History Review  

Understanding a patient’s history provides insight into potential risk factors for anemia.

Nurses should assess the following during a health history review: 

• History of anemia or chronic conditions (e.g., kidney disease, cancer) 
• Dietary habits and nutritional intake 
• Menstrual history (for women) 
• Medication use (NSAIDs, anticoagulants)
• Family history of anemia-related conditions  

Physical Assessment 

A head-to-toe assessment helps identify physical signs of anemia, such as pallor, tachycardia, or dizziness. 

Observing the patient’s vital signs and overall appearance provides key clues about their condition.

• General appearance: Pallor, jaundice (if hemolytic anemia) 
• Vital signs: Increased heart rate, low blood pressure 
• Respiratory status: Shortness of breath, tachypnea 
• Neurological signs: Dizziness, cognitive impairment 
• Cardiovascular: Murmurs, irregular heartbeat  

Diagnostic Procedures 

Lab tests confirm the type and severity of anemia. 

They help pinpoint deficiencies, assess red blood cell production, and rule out underlying conditions. A thorough anemia diagnosis nursing assessment ensures accurate identification and appropriate treatment planning.

• Complete blood count (CBC) – Hemoglobin, hematocrit, RBC count 
• Serum ferritin and iron levels – Iron deficiency evaluation 
• Vitamin B12 and folate levels – To assess nutritional causes 
• Reticulocyte count – Evaluates bone marrow response 
• Peripheral blood smear – Determines RBC shape and abnormalities 
• Bone marrow biopsy – If bone marrow failure is suspected  

Nursing Diagnoses for Anemia 

Anemia impacts the patient’s daily life and physiological functions, forming the basis for each nursing diagnosis for an anemia patient. 

Nurses identify these issues to guide appropriate interventions and improve patient outcomes.

Fatigue related to decreased oxygen-carrying capacity 

• Evidence: Complaints of exhaustion, inability to perform activities of daily living (ADLs), shortness of breath with activity 

Imbalanced Nutrition: Less Than Body Requirements Related to Iron or Vitamin B12 Deficiency 

• Evidence: Low hemoglobin, dietary history of inadequate intake, weight loss

Decreased Cardiac Output Related to Reduced Oxygenation of Tissues 

• Evidence: Tachycardia, hypotension, dizziness, chest discomfort  

Ineffective Tissue Perfusion related to low hemoglobin levels 

• Evidence: Pallor, cyanosis, delayed capillary refill, cold extremities  

Nursing Goals and Expected Outcomes 

To ensure quality patient care, nurses must work closely with the patients and their families to establish realistic goals and expected outcomes. 

These goals and outcomes serve as a guide for providing individualized care that addresses each patient’s specific needs.

• Increase oxygenation and reduce fatigue. 
• Improve nutritional intake and absorption of key nutrients.
• Maintain stable cardiac function and prevent complications. 
• Reduce the risk of bleeding and infection. 
• Ensure patient education and adherence to treatment.  

Nursing Interventions and Actions

Nursing interventions for anemia focus on reducing symptoms, correcting deficiencies, and preventing further complications.

Managing Fatigue and Enhancing Activity Tolerance 

• Encourage frequent rest periods throughout the day. 
• Educate on energy conservation techniques. 
• Monitor vital signs before and after activity. 
• Encourage progressive mobility to prevent deconditioning.  

Implementing Nutritional Support and Education 

• Educate on iron-rich foods (red meat, leafy greens, legumes). 
• Promote B12 and folate supplementation if deficient. 
• Educate on food sources that enhance iron absorption (Vitamin C-rich foods). 

Preventing Infection Risk and Promoting Immunity 

• Encourage good hand hygiene. 
• Monitor for signs of infection (fever, increased white blood cell count). 
• Administer vaccinations if indicated.  

Monitoring for Bleeding Risks and Managing Symptoms 

• Assess for unexplained bruising, gum bleeding, or black stools. 
• Avoid intramuscular injections or unnecessary blood draws if platelet counts are low. 
• Educate on fall precautions to prevent injury. 

Administering Medications 

• Provide oral iron supplements with Vitamin C to enhance absorption. 
• Administer B12 injections as prescribed. 
• Monitor for side effects (constipation with iron, injection site reactions with B12).  

Monitoring Lab Results and Response to Treatment 

• Regularly check hemoglobin, hematocrit, and RBC levels. 
• Monitor serum iron and ferritin to assess iron stores. 
• Evaluate patient symptoms and adjust interventions accordingly.  

Nursing Care Plan Examples for Anemia 

Care Plan #1: Fatigue Care Plan 

Nursing Diagnosis 

Fatigue related to decreased oxygenation of tissues as evidenced by weakness, shortness of breath, and inability to perform ADLs. 

Expected Outcomes 

• Patient will verbalize increased energy levels. 
• Patient will engage in light activities without excessive fatigue. 
• Patient will demonstrate energy conservation techniques. 

Nursing Interventions 

• Schedule rest periods between activities. 
• Encourage gradual increase in physical activity. 
• Monitor oxygen saturation levels.  

Care Plan #2: Imbalanced Nutrition Care Plan 

Nursing Diagnosis 

Imbalanced nutrition: Less than body requirements related to iron and vitamin deficiencies as evidenced by pallor, low hemoglobin, and dietary insufficiency. 

Expected Outcomes 

• Patient will consume iron-rich and vitamin B12-rich foods. 
• Patient will demonstrate understanding of dietary recommendations. 
• Patient’s hemoglobin levels will improve within 4-6 weeks. 

Nursing Interventions 

• Provide nutritional counseling on iron and B12 sources. 
• Encourage iron supplements with vitamin C. 
• Monitor for adverse effects of supplements (constipation, nausea). 

Care Plan #3: Decreased Cardiac Output Care Plan 

Nursing Diagnosis 

Decreased Cardiac Output related to reduced oxygen transport as evidenced by tachycardia, dizziness, and hypotension.  

Expected Outcomes 

• Patient’s heart rate and blood pressure will remain stable. 
• Patient will verbalize decreased dizziness and weakness. 
• Patient will avoid excessive exertion to reduce cardiac strain.  

Nursing Interventions 

• Monitor vital signs regularly. 
• Educate on avoiding strenuous activity. 
• Encourage iron therapy to improve oxygenation. 

Recommended Resources for Anemia Nursing Care 

Staying up to date with evidence-based guidelines is essential for providing effective nursing care for anemia. 

The following trusted resources offer valuable insights to support clinical decision-making and patient education.

• American Society of Hematology – Guidelines for anemia management 
• National Institutes of Health (NIH) – Nutritional recommendations 
• CDC Iron Deficiency Anemia Guidelines 

Nursing Care Plan Resources

• Nursing Diagnosis
• Nursing Interventions
• Nursing Care Plan Template
• Nursing Process
• ADPIE

Simple Strategies for Optimizing Nursing Care for Anemia

Anemia can leave patients feeling drained.

Low RBC reduce oxygen delivery throughout the body, causing fatigue, weakness, and other complications. An effective nursing plan of care for anemia prioritizes restoring oxygen levels, supporting proper nutrition, and managing symptoms. 

Monitoring lab values, providing patient education, and addressing symptoms early help improve outcomes and support recovery. 

References and Sources