A client at 28-weeks gestation whose hemoglobin level is 10.7 g/dL (107 g/L) and hematocrit is 32.3% (0.323 volume fraction), tells the nurse that she eats plenty of green vegetables.
When the client asks the nurse how the pregnancy might affect the laboratory findings, which information should the nurse provide?
Increasing intake of protein might improve these values.
Plasma volume increases, making the blood count appear low.
Almost all women at 28-weeks gestation have anemia.
It might be necessary to take an iron supplement twice daily.
The Correct Answer is B
Choice A rationale
While protein is an essential nutrient for overall health and wellbeing, increasing protein intake alone is unlikely to significantly improve hemoglobin levels. Hemoglobin is a protein in red blood cells that carries oxygen, and its production depends on having enough iron, vitamin B12, and folic acid, not just protein.
Choice B rationale
During pregnancy, the volume of blood in a woman’s body increases to support the growing fetus. This increase in blood volume can dilute the blood, which can lead to a decrease in the concentration of red blood cells and hemoglobin, a condition known as physiological anemia of pregnancy. This is a normal part of pregnancy and is typically not a cause for concern.
Choice C rationale
While it’s true that many women experience changes in their hemoglobin levels during pregnancy, it’s not accurate to say that almost all women at 28-weeks gestation have anemia. Anemia is defined as a level of hemoglobin that’s lower than normal, and the normal range can vary. However, it’s important to note that the normal range for hemoglobin does decrease during pregnancy.
Choice D rationale
Iron is a key component of hemoglobin, and iron deficiency is a common cause of anemia. If a pregnant woman’s hemoglobin levels are low, taking an iron supplement might help increase these levels. However, it’s important to talk to a healthcare provider before starting any new medication or supplement.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
Flaring of the nares is a sign of respiratory distress in children. It indicates that the child is working harder to breathe.
Choice B rationale
Bilateral bronchial breath sounds are normal and do not indicate acute respiratory distress.
Choice C rationale
Diaphragmatic respirations are normal in children and do not indicate acute respiratory distress.
Choice D rationale
A resting respiratory rate of 35 breaths/minute is within the normal range for a preschoolaged child and does not indicate acute respiratory distress.
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
Choice A rationale
Immediately after delivery, the breasts of a new mother are not likely to remain the same as before delivery. Hormonal changes during pregnancy prepare the breasts for lactation, and these changes do not typically revert immediately after delivery.
Choice B rationale
On the first postpartum day, the breasts of a new mother are most likely to be filling and secreting colostrum. Colostrum is the first form of milk produced by the mammary glands, and it usually starts to be produced during pregnancy and continues during the early days of breastfeeding.
Choice C rationale
An immediate let-down response is not typically observed on the first postpartum day. The letdown reflex, which releases milk from the breast, usually becomes more pronounced after the first few days of breastfeeding.
Choice D rationale
While the breasts may become larger due to milk production, they are not typically very tender to touch on the first postpartum day. Tenderness may occur later, especially if complications like engorgement or mastitis develop.
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