A nurse is caring for a client who has anorexia related to AIDS.
Which of the following laboratory values should the nurse monitor to confirm the client's nutritional intake is adequate?

Choice A rationale

Oatmeal is not rich in vitamin C, which is needed to enhance the absorption of ferrous sulfate. While it provides fiber, its role in iron therapy is limited compared to vitamin C-rich options, which significantly improve iron solubility and uptake.

Choice B rationale

Raw oranges are an excellent source of vitamin C, which significantly enhances the absorption of non-heme iron like ferrous sulfate. Vitamin C reduces ferric iron to ferrous iron, promoting absorption in the duodenum, a critical factor in anemia management.

Choice C rationale

Baked potatoes contain minimal vitamin C compared to other food options like citrus fruits. While they have nutritional benefits, they do not significantly enhance iron absorption, making them less effective for optimizing ferrous sulfate therapy.

Choice D rationale

Cheese is calcium-rich, and calcium competes with iron for absorption in the gastrointestinal tract. Consuming calcium alongside ferrous sulfate can decrease its bioavailability, making cheese an unsuitable choice for improving iron absorption. .

Choice A rationale

Obtaining a radial pulse is not the next priority for managing a bleeding site in hemophilia. Hemophilia is characterized by clotting factor deficiencies, so the priority is to stop bleeding first. Assessing a pulse does not address active bleeding and can delay essential interventions, such as applying pressure to control hemorrhage.

Choice B rationale

Reinforcing the dressing does not actively address ongoing bleeding in a hemophilia client. Adding more material over the wound may conceal continued bleeding but does not provide the hemostatic effect required to stop it. Direct pressure is necessary for clot formation, which is hindered in hemophilia.

Choice C rationale

Maintaining direct pressure is crucial as it compresses blood vessels, promoting clot formation at the bleeding site. Hemophilia impairs the intrinsic clotting pathway; therefore, mechanical compression compensates for clotting factor deficiencies until further interventions, such as clotting factor infusion, are possible.

Choice D rationale

Checking whether the bleeding has stopped is important, but it should only occur after applying adequate pressure to the site. Hemophilia requires prompt mechanical hemostasis, and delaying pressure to assess cessation risks prolonged bleeding and increased blood loss.