A child with iron-deficiency anemia receives a daily oral iron supplement. The mother tells the nurse their child is having black stools. Which response by the nurse is most appropriate?
"You need to bring your child to the emergency department immediately and have the stool tested for blood."
"Greenish black stools are normal when oral iron supplements are being administered."
"You should stop administering the daily iron supplement."
"Don't worry about it."
The Correct Answer is B
Choice A reason: "You need to bring your child to the emergency department immediately and have the stool tested for blood." is not an appropriate response by the nurse. Black stools can be a sign of gastrointestinal bleeding, which is a serious condition that requires immediate medical attention. However, in this case, the black stools are most likely caused by the iron supplement, which can change the color and consistency of the stool. Therefore, there is no need to panic or rush to the emergency department.
Choice B reason: "Greenish black stools are normal when oral iron supplements are being administered." is the most appropriate response by the nurse. It is a factual and reassuring statement that explains the reason for the stool color change and educates the mother about the expected side effect of the iron supplement. It also encourages the mother to continue the treatment for the child's anemia.
Choice C reason: "You should stop administering the daily iron supplement." is not an appropriate response by the nurse. It is a harmful and incorrect advice that contradicts the prescribed treatment for the child's anemia. Stopping the iron supplement can worsen the child's condition and lead to complications such as growth retardation, cognitive impairment, or heart failure.
Choice D reason: "Don't worry about it." is not an appropriate response by the nurse. It is a dismissive and vague statement that does not address the mother's concern or provide any information or education. It can also undermine the mother's trust and confidence in the nurse and the health care system.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
Choice A reason: Notifying the health care provider of the patient's status is an important action, but not the first priority. The nurse should first assess the patient for any possible triggers of the autonomic dysreflexia, which is a life-threatening condition that occurs in patients with spinal cord injury above the level of T6. It is characterized by a sudden and severe increase in blood pressure, flushing, sweating, headache, and blurred vision.
Choice B reason: Assessing patient for tight clothing around the waist or a full bladder is the first priority action. These are common triggers of autonomic dysreflexia, which cause irritation or stimulation of the nerves below the level of injury. The nurse should remove any tight clothing, catheterize the patient if needed, or perform a bowel evacuation to relieve the pressure and prevent further complications.
Choice C reason: Reviewing the medication administration record for an antihypertensive order is a secondary action, after identifying and removing the trigger of autonomic dysreflexia. The nurse should administer the prescribed antihypertensive medication, such as nifedipine or nitroglycerin, to lower the blood pressure and prevent stroke, seizure, or cardiac arrest.
Choice D reason: Initiating oxygen via a nasal cannula and elevating patient's legs is not an appropriate action for a patient with autonomic dysreflexia. Oxygen therapy is not indicated for this condition, unless the patient has hypoxia or respiratory distress. Elevating the patient's legs can worsen the blood pressure by increasing the venous return and the cardiac output. The nurse should keep the patient in a sitting position to promote the blood flow to the lower extremities and reduce the blood pressure.
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
Choice A reason: Diabetes mellitus Type 1 is a condition that affects the pancreas and the production of insulin, a hormone that regulates blood sugar levels. It does not directly cause anemia, but it can increase the risk of complications such as infections, ulcers, and nerve damage.
Choice B reason: Peripheral vascular disease is a condition that affects the blood vessels and the circulation of blood to the limbs. It does not directly cause anemia, but it can increase the risk of complications such as clots, wounds, and gangrene.
Choice C reason: Chronic kidney disease is a condition that affects the kidneys and their function of filtering waste and fluids from the blood. It can cause anemia by reducing the production of erythropoietin, a hormone that stimulates the bone marrow to make red blood cells.
Choice D reason: Hypertension is a condition that affects the blood pressure and the force of blood against the artery walls. It does not directly cause anemia, but it can increase the risk of complications such as stroke, heart attack, and kidney damage.
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