A nurse is caring for a client who has just been admitted to the medical-surgical unit from the emergency department.
The nurse is reviewing the client’s medical records.
Which of the following conditions is the client most likely experiencing, based on the client’s notes and actions to be taken?

Choice A rationale

Taking ferrous sulfate between meals can help increase absorption of the medication. Iron is best absorbed on an empty stomach. However, it may need to be taken with food to reduce stomach upset.

Choice B rationale

While it’s true that ferrous sulfate can cause nausea, this is not the primary reason for taking it between meals. The main goal is to enhance absorption.

Choice C rationale

There’s no evidence to suggest that taking ferrous sulfate with food increases the risk of esophagitis.

Choice D rationale

While constipation can be a side effect of ferrous sulfate, taking it between meals does not necessarily prevent this.

Choice A rationale

If a client reports feeling “down” and sad, having no energy, and wanting to cry, these could be signs of postpartum depression. It’s crucial to assess whether the client has considered harming her newborn, as this could indicate a severe form of postpartum depression that requires immediate intervention.

Choice B rationale

While anticipating a prescription for an antidepressant might be part of the treatment plan for postpartum depression, it’s not the immediate priority. The immediate priority is to ensure the safety of both the mother and the newborn.

Choice C rationale

Assisting the family to identify prior use of positive coping skills in family crises could be helpful, but it’s not the immediate priority. The immediate priority is to ensure the safety of both the mother and the newborn.

Choice D rationale

Reinforcing postpartum and newborn care discharge teaching is important, but it’s not the immediate priority. The immediate priority is to ensure the safety of both the mother and the newborn.