Activity Intolerance related to Anemia

Anemia is a term that indicates a low red blood cell and hemoglobin level, and hematocrit below the normal. Anemia is not a disease, but rather a reflection of the state of a disease or disorder of the body functions. Physiologically anemia occurs when there is a shortage of hemoglobin to carry oxygen to the tissues.
(Brunner & Suddarth, 2001)

This oxygen will be used to burn sugars and fats into energy. This may explain why anemia can cause symptoms of weakness and lethargy are not uncommon. Lungs and heart were also forced to work harder to get oxygen from the blood that causes shortness of breath.

Symptoms of anemia :

• Weakness, lethargy, dizziness, irritability, or trouble concentrating.
• Especially in the pale gums and eyelids or under the nails.
• Heart palpitations shortness of breath.
• Thrush of the mouth or tongue, welts or unusual bleeding.
• Numbness or tingling in the legs.
• Nausea and diarrhea.

Activity intolerance related to imbalance between the oxygen supply (delivery) and needs.

Goal: to maintain / improve ambulation / activity.

Expected outcomes:

• Reported increased exercise tolerance (including activities of daily living).
• Showed a decrease in the physiological signs of intolerance, such as pulse, respiration, and blood pressure is still within normal range.

Interventions:

• Assess the patient's ability to ADL.
• Assess lost or impaired balance, gait and muscle weakness.
• Observation of vital signs before and after the activity.
• Provide quiet environment, limit visitors, and reduce noise, keep bedrest when indicated.
• Use energy-saving techniques, advise patients to rest, in case of fatigue and weakness, advise patients to do his best activity (without imposing themselves).

Rationale:

• Affect the choice of intervention / assistance.
• Show neurological changes due to vitamin B12 deficiency affects patient safety / risk of injury.
• Cardiopulmonary manifestations of heart and lung efforts to bring an adequate amount of oxygen to the tissues.
• Increase rest to lower the oxygen needs of the body and lowers the strain the heart and lungs.
• Increase activity gradually, until normal and improve muscle tone / stamina without drawbacks. Boost self-esteem and sense of control.