Guided by the findings of both the objective and subjective assessment of the 3 year old, the differential diagnosis that could be derived includes; iron deficiency anemia, thalassemia or lead toxicity. Each of these conditions is associated with microcytic hypochromic anemia as a classical feature. Both thalassemia and lead toxicity can be excluded from the scenario on the basis that thalassemia is a genetically inherited condition that runs in a family and no other member lives with the condition. Lead toxicity cannot predominantly feature in this case since from the subjective assessment, there is no likelihood for lead levels to have accumulated to such a high level at this tender age, even with predisposition. Nonetheless, it is evident that iron deficiency anemia stands out as the chief diagnosis for the apparent patient’s condition. Iron deficiency anemia is associated with various unique characteristics that are present in this patient. These characteristics include; low hematocrit levels as well as low hemoglobin. Low intake of dietary iron is equally a classical cause of this type of anemia, hence placing the child at a huge possibility of an iron deficiency anemia (Camaschella, 2015).
The treatment for this condition requires the use of iron supplements, notably, Ferrous Sulphate as well as dietary management through taking iron-rich foods. The proper pediatric dosage for the iron supplement is 3gms two times a day (Baker & Greer, 2010).
Patient/family education on the management of the condition is pretty essential in order to foster self-efficacy and self-monitoring skills. In this connection, it would be prudent to advice the mother on the importance of ensuring a balanced diet for the child, notably, the inclusion of vegetables so as to boost the red blood cells volume (Naigamwalla, Webb & Giger, 2012). While the three year old is “picky” in terms of diets, this patient education would also focus on helping the mother understand various alternatives for vegetables such as beans, red meat, orange juice and walnuts which would be preferred by the child. As a strategy, the use of a “take-home” educative brochure on pediatric dieting bearing sound and vivid illustrations and explanations would go a long way in placing the mother at a vantage point in terms of understanding how to go about the dieting challenge for the three year old.
References
Baker, R. D., & Greer, F. R. (2010). Diagnosis and prevention of iron deficiency and iron-deficiency anemia in infants and young children (0–3 years of age). Pediatrics, 126(5), 1040-1050.
Camaschella, C. (2015). Iron-deficiency anemia. N Engl J Med, 2015(372), 1832-1843.
Naigamwalla, D. Z., Webb, J. A., & Giger, U. (2012). Iron deficiency anemia.Can Vet J, 53(3), 250-256.
