Iron deficiency anemia in Lymphoma?

I am struggling with a nursing careplan. My patient has extremely low blood values. RBC 2.67, Hgb 6.6, Hct 20.2. The patient is fatigued (one nursing diagnosis) and I know they are at increased risk for infection. I am having trouble explaining the pathophysiology behind this increased risk. Help!


Thanks in advance for respectful responses.

Iron deficiency anemia in Lymphoma?
Infection is always a risk even when a patients blood counts are normal. But in this case ...based on these numbers - A blood transfusion is in order here….and it is urgent-





Certainly Anemia is at issue, iron absorption would be a real problem with counts this low. It is irrefutable given that the normal red blood count range is between 4.2 and 6.


http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/cancer-...





But as for the rest (yes these are very low and a real concern)


Read this case here:


http://ubb-lls.leukemia-lymphoma.org/ubb...





I am sure a second opinion will confirm that there is a major concern and your evaluation while it may need some additional tests and study to confirm, is a reasonable one.


Good luck..


and God Speed-

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