A client with anemia presents with symptoms of fatigue, shortness of breath, and headache.
What is the most likely reason for these symptoms in the client?

Choice A rationale:

Administering blood transfusions as prescribed.

Administering blood transfusions is not typically the first-line treatment for iron-deficiency anemia.

Blood transfusions are usually reserved for severe cases of anemia or when other treatments have failed.

Iron replacement therapy is the primary treatment for iron-deficiency anemia.

Choice B rationale:

Monitoring the patient's response to erythropoiesis-stimulating agents (ESAs)

Monitoring the patient's response to ESAs is appropriate because ESAs stimulate the production of red blood cells and can be used in the treatment of anemia, especially in chronic kidney disease patients.

However, ESAs are not the primary treatment for iron-deficiency anemia, so this choice is not the only appropriate intervention.

Choice C rationale:

Educating the patient about the causes, symptoms, and complications of sickle cell anemia.

Educating the patient about sickle cell anemia is not relevant to the care of a patient with iron-deficiency anemia.

Iron-deficiency anemia and sickle cell anemia are two distinct conditions with different causes, symptoms, and treatments.

Choice D rationale:

Encouraging the patient to eat a balanced diet rich in iron.

Encouraging the patient to eat a balanced diet rich in iron is an appropriate nursing intervention for a patient with iron-deficiency anemia.

Iron-rich foods can help replenish the body's iron stores and support the treatment of anemia.

Choice E rationale:

Providing emotional support and counseling to the patient and family members.

Providing emotional support and counseling is an important aspect of nursing care for any patient, including those with iron-deficiency anemia.

Dealing with a chronic condition can be emotionally challenging for patients and their families.

Emotional support can help improve the patient's overall well-being and compliance with treatment.

Choice A rationale:

Chronic gastrointestinal bleeding is a common cause of iron-deficiency anemia.

Blood loss from the gastrointestinal tract leads to the loss of iron, ultimately depleting iron stores in the body and impairing hemoglobin synthesis.

Choice B rationale:

High serum iron levels are not a potential cause of iron-deficiency anemia.

Iron-deficiency anemia is characterized by low serum iron levels, as the body lacks sufficient iron to produce hemoglobin.

Choice C rationale:

Inadequate dietary intake of iron can lead to iron-deficiency anemia, especially in individuals who do not consume enough iron-rich foods.

A lack of dietary iron can result in reduced iron absorption and insufficient iron stores in the body.

Choice D rationale:

Elevated serum ferritin levels are not a potential cause of iron-deficiency anemia.

In fact, elevated serum ferritin levels are more indicative of iron overload conditions rather than iron deficiency.

Choice E rationale:

Increased erythropoietic activity can be a compensatory response to iron-deficiency anemia.

When the body senses low oxygen-carrying capacity due to reduced hemoglobin levels, it may increase erythropoietin production, leading to the production of more red blood cells (erythropoiesis) in an attempt to improve oxygen delivery to tissues.