A nurse is assessing a client who has placenta previa and is receiving fetal monitoring.Which of the following clinical findings should the nurse expect?

Choice A rationale

Taking iron supplements with milk is not advised because calcium in milk can interfere with the absorption of iron, reducing its effectiveness.

Choice B rationale

Doubling the dose of iron supplements if a dose is missed is not recommended because it can cause gastrointestinal issues and toxicity. It's better to just continue with the regular dosing schedule.

Choice C rationale

Consuming 29 grams of fiber daily is a good practice for overall health, but it does not directly aid in iron absorption. Fiber can actually bind to iron and decrease its absorption in the intestines.

Choice D rationale

Vitamin C enhances the absorption of non-heme iron (found in supplements) by converting it into a more absorbable form. Taking vitamin C with iron supplements increases their effectiveness, making this statement correct.

The correct answer is Choice A

Choice A rationale: Blood urea nitrogen (BUN) level of 25 mg/dL exceeds the normal range of 10 to 20 mg/dL and may indicate impaired renal function or dehydration. In pregnancy, elevated BUN is concerning because renal perfusion is typically increased, leading to lower BUN levels. A rise suggests possible renal compromise, which can affect fetal development and maternal health. It warrants provider notification to assess for underlying pathology such as preeclampsia or renal insufficiency.

Choice B rationale: Hemoglobin level of 10.2 mg/dL is slightly below the normal pregnancy range of 11 to 16 mg/dL, indicating mild anemia. However, in the context of pregnancy, especially with a known history of anemia, this value is not critically low. Iron supplementation and dietary adjustments are typically sufficient. It does not represent an acute complication unless accompanied by symptoms like fatigue, pallor, or tachycardia. Therefore, it does not require immediate provider notification.

Choice C rationale: Fasting blood glucose of 70 mg/dL is at the lower end of the normal range for pregnancy, which spans from 70 to 110 mg/dL. This value is physiologically acceptable and does not indicate hypoglycemia or gestational diabetes. During pregnancy, insulin sensitivity fluctuates, but a fasting glucose of 70 mg/dL is not pathologic. No intervention is needed unless symptomatic hypoglycemia occurs. Thus, this result is not indicative of a prenatal complication.

Choice D rationale: Hematocrit level of 32% is slightly below the normal pregnancy range of 33 to 47%, reflecting mild dilutional anemia due to plasma volume expansion. This is a common physiological adaptation in pregnancy and not necessarily pathologic. Unless accompanied by symptoms or a significant drop in hemoglobin, this value alone does not indicate a prenatal complication. Monitoring and nutritional support are appropriate, but urgent provider notification is not required.