A client with iron-deficiency anemia is prescribed iron supplements.
What should the nurse teach the client about taking iron supplements correctly?
"You should take iron supplements with dairy products to enhance absorption.”
"It's best to take iron supplements on an empty stomach.”
"You can take iron supplements with antacids to reduce gastrointestinal side effects.”
"Iron supplements should be taken with a large meal to improve effectiveness.”
The Correct Answer is B
Choice A rationale:
Taking iron supplements with dairy products is not recommended for optimal iron absorption.
Calcium, present in dairy products, can inhibit the absorption of iron.
Therefore, it is best to take iron supplements separately from dairy products.
Choice B rationale:
Taking iron supplements on an empty stomach is the correct recommendation.
Iron absorption is enhanced when the supplements are taken on an empty stomach.
However, some individuals may experience gastrointestinal discomfort when taking iron on an empty stomach.
In such cases, it can be taken with a small amount of food that does not contain dairy products or high in calcium.
Choice C rationale:
Taking iron supplements with antacids is not recommended to reduce gastrointestinal side effects.
Antacids containing calcium can interfere with iron absorption, potentially worsening the anemia.
Therefore, it is best to avoid taking iron supplements with antacids.
Choice D rationale:
Taking iron supplements with a large meal is not the most effective way to improve their effectiveness.
In fact, taking iron supplements with a large meal can decrease iron absorption due to competition with other nutrients.
It is generally recommended to take iron supplements on an empty stomach or with a small, iron-friendly snack if gastrointestinal discomfort occurs.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
Choice A rationale:
Increased oxygen-carrying capacity of the blood Increased oxygen-carrying capacity of the blood would not result in symptoms of fatigue, shortness of breath, and headache.
In fact, having more oxygen-carrying capacity would be expected to improve oxygen delivery to tissues, which would not cause these symptoms.
Therefore, this choice is not the correct reason for the client's symptoms.
Choice B rationale:
Tissue hypoxia (Correct Choice) Anemia is characterized by a decreased concentration of hemoglobin in the blood, which leads to reduced oxygen-carrying capacity.
As a result, tissues and organs may not receive an adequate supply of oxygen, leading to symptoms such as fatigue, shortness of breath, and headache.
Tissue hypoxia is the most likely reason for these symptoms in a client with anemia, as the body struggles to meet its oxygen demands due to the decreased hemoglobin levels.
Choice C rationale:
Excessive iron intake Excessive iron intake would not typically cause the symptoms of fatigue, shortness of breath, and headache.
Instead, excessive iron intake can lead to iron overload, which may result in gastrointestinal symptoms, liver damage, and other complications.
It is not a likely cause of anemia-related symptoms in this context.
Choice D rationale:
Enhanced immune function Enhanced immune function would not be a direct cause of symptoms like fatigue, shortness of breath, and headache in a client with anemia.
While anemia can weaken the immune system to some extent, it does not lead to enhanced immune function that would result in these particular symptoms.
Therefore, this choice is not the correct reason for the client's symptoms.
Correct Answer is ["A","B","D"]
Explanation
Choice A rationale:
Review of the results of the CBC (Complete Blood Count) with differential and peripheral blood smear is essential in assessing a patient with iron-deficiency anemia.
The CBC provides information about hemoglobin levels, hematocrit, mean corpuscular volume (MCV), and red blood cell indices, which are crucial in diagnosing and monitoring anemia.
A peripheral blood smear can help identify the characteristic microcytic and hypochromic red blood cells seen in iron-deficiency anemia.
Choice B rationale:
Monitoring the patient's vital signs and oxygen saturation is essential in the assessment of a patient with iron-deficiency anemia.
Anemia can lead to reduced oxygen-carrying capacity in the blood, potentially causing symptoms such as shortness of breath and tachycardia.
Monitoring vital signs and oxygen saturation helps assess the patient's response to anemia and the need for oxygen supplementation.
Choice C rationale:
Administering iron supplements as prescribed is a nursing intervention rather than a component of the nursing assessment.
While it is important for the management of iron-deficiency anemia, the assessment phase involves gathering data about the patient's condition, not implementing interventions.
Choice D rationale:
Providing emotional support and counseling to the patient and family members is a crucial component of nursing care for patients with iron-deficiency anemia.
Anemia can have a significant impact on a patient's quality of life, causing fatigue, weakness, and emotional distress.
Offering emotional support and education to the patient and family members helps them cope with the condition and its management.
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