A client with anemia has been admitted to the medical-surgical unit. Which assessment findings are characteristic of iron deficiency anemia?

Reasoning:

Choice A reason: Aspiration precautions are important in head injury to prevent pneumonia, particularly if consciousness is impaired, but they are not specific seizure prophylactic measures. Seizures require anticonvulsants to prevent neuronal hyperexcitability, making aspiration precautions a secondary concern unrelated to seizure prevention.

Choice B reason: Anticonvulsant medications, initiated early (e.g., day two), are standard for seizure prophylaxis in head injury. Trauma can cause cortical irritation, increasing seizure risk. Drugs like levetiracetam stabilize neuronal activity, preventing seizures, which could worsen brain injury or ICP, making this the primary measure.

Choice C reason: Intubation and ventilator support are used for severe head injuries with compromised airway or breathing but are not seizure prophylaxis. Seizures are managed with anticonvulsants, as mechanical ventilation does not address neuronal excitability, making this inappropriate for seizure prevention.

Choice D reason: Antiemetic medications manage nausea but are not seizure prophylactic measures. While vomiting may occur post-head injury, it does not prevent seizures, which result from cortical irritability. Anticonvulsants directly target seizure risk, making antiemetics irrelevant to this specific intervention goal.

Reasoning:

Choice A reason: Consuming adequate fluids is essential in diabetes insipidus to replace the large volumes of water lost through polyuria due to ADH deficiency. Adequate hydration prevents dehydration, maintains electrolyte balance, and alleviates excessive thirst, supporting the body’s compensatory mechanisms to manage the high urine output characteristic of this condition.

Choice B reason: Daily IV fluid therapy is not a practical or necessary intervention for diabetes insipidus. While severe dehydration may require IV fluids, oral hydration is sufficient for most patients to manage polyuria. Regular clinic visits for IV therapy are invasive, costly, and not standard for controlling thirst or fluid loss.

Choice C reason: Limiting fluid intake at night is counterproductive in diabetes insipidus, as it exacerbates dehydration caused by excessive urine output. Patients need to maintain hydration to compensate for water loss and reduce thirst. Restricting fluids could worsen symptoms and lead to complications like hypernatremia or hypovolemia.

Choice D reason: Daily weighing monitors fluid status but does not directly control thirst or compensate for urine loss in diabetes insipidus. While useful for assessing treatment response, it is a passive measure and does not address the active need to replace fluid losses through adequate oral intake to manage symptoms.