A nurse is caring for a client who has a new prescription for ferrous sulfate tablets twice daily for iron deficiency anemia. The client asks the nurse why the provider instructed that she take the ferrous sulfate between meals. Which of the following responses should the nurse make?
Taking the medication between meals will help you avoid becoming constipated.
The medication can cause nausea if taken with food.
Taking the medication between meals will help you absorb the medication more efficiently.
Taking the medication with food increases the risk of esophagitis.
The Correct Answer is C
Choice A reason: Taking the medication between meals will help you avoid becoming constipated is incorrect because it is not the reason why the provider instructed that she take the ferrous sulfate between meals. It is a possible benefit of taking the medication between meals, but it is not the main purpose. Iron supplements can cause constipation, but this can be prevented by drinking plenty of fluids, eating high-fiber foods, and exercising regularly.
Choice B reason: The medication can cause nausea if taken with food is incorrect because it is not the reason why the provider instructed that she take the ferrous sulfate between meals. It is a possible side effect of taking the medication with or without food, but it is not the main reason. Iron supplements can cause nausea, but this can be reduced by taking the medication with a small amount of food, such as crackers, or by taking an antiemetic medication.
Choice C reason: Taking the medication between meals will help you absorb the medication more efficiently is correct because it is the reason why the provider instructed that she take the ferrous sulfate between meals. It is the main purpose of taking the medication between meals, as iron absorption is enhanced when the stomach is empty and the pH is low. Iron supplements can interact with food components, such as calcium, phytates, and tannins, and reduce the amount of iron that is absorbed by the body.
Choice D reason: Taking the medication with food increases the risk of esophagitis is incorrect because it is not the reason why the provider instructed that she take the ferrous sulfate between meals. It is a possible complication of taking the medication without enough water, but it is not the main reason. Iron supplements can cause esophagitis, which is inflammation of the esophagus, if they are not swallowed properly or if they get stuck in the throat. This can be prevented by taking the medication with a full glass of water, sitting upright, and not lying down for at least 30 minutes after taking the medication.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
Choice A reason: A biophysical profile score of 8 is a good indicator of fetal well-being, but it does not measure the fetal lung maturity. It consists of five parameters: fetal breathing movements, fetal movements, fetal tone, amniotic fluid volume, and nonstress test.
Choice B reason: Phosphatidylglycerol (PG) is a phospholipid that is present in the fetal lung surfactant. Its presence indicates that the fetal lungs are mature, while its absence does not rule out the possibility of maturity.
Choice C reason: Lecithin and sphingomyelin are two phospholipids that are found in the fetal lung surfactant. The L/S ratio is the ratio of lecithin to sphingomyelin in the amniotic fluid. A ratio of 2:1 or higher indicates that the fetal lungs are mature and can produce enough surfactant to prevent respiratory distress syndrome.
Choice D reason: A nonstress test is a test that measures the fetal heart rate and its response to fetal movements. A reactive test means that the fetal heart rate increases by at least 15 beats per minute for at least 15 seconds twice in a 20-minute period. This indicates that the fetus is healthy and well-oxygenated, but it does not reflect the fetal lung maturity.
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
Choice A reason: This is incorrect. Decreased production of erythrocytes (red blood cells) is a consequence, not a cause, of iron deficiency anemia. Iron is needed to make hemoglobin, the protein that carries oxygen in the red blood cells. Without enough iron, the body cannot produce enough hemoglobin or red blood cells¹.
Choice B reason: This is correct. Inadequate intake of iron is the most common cause of iron deficiency anemia during pregnancy. Pregnant women need more iron than nonpregnant women to support the increased blood volume and the fetal growth. If the dietary intake of iron is not sufficient, the body will use up its iron stores, leading to iron deficiency anemia.
Choice C reason: This is incorrect. Dilution of hemoglobin concentration is a normal physiological change during pregnancy, not a cause of iron deficiency anemia. The blood volume increases by 20% to 30% during pregnancy, while the red blood cell mass increases by only 15% to 20%. This results in a lower concentration of hemoglobin in the blood, but not necessarily a lower amount of hemoglobin or iron³.
Choice D reason: This is incorrect. The fetus establishing iron stores is not a cause of iron deficiency anemia during pregnancy, although it can contribute to it. The fetus needs iron for its own development and growth, and it obtains iron from the mother through the placenta. The fetal iron demand increases in the second and third trimesters, when the fetus accumulates iron in its liver and other tissues. This can deplete the maternal iron stores, especially if the mother does not consume enough iron.
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