A nurse is caring for a female client in a provider's office.

Exhibits

The nurse notifies the client and provides teaching about the newly prescribed medication. For each of the statements made by the client, click to specify whether the statement indicates an understanding or no understanding of the teaching provided.

Client Education: Understanding/ No Understanding

Understanding: A, B, E, D
 
No understanding: C

Rationale:
A.    "I should take my medication on an empty stomach."- Taking Ferrous Sulfate on an empty stomach can enhance its absorption.
B.    "I should avoid taking antacids while on this medication."- Antacids can decrease the absorption of iron, so it's important to avoid taking them concurrently with iron supplements to ensure the medication's effectiveness.
C.    "If I experience black stools, I should notify my provider."- Black stools are a common side effect of Ferrous Sulfate due to unabsorbed iron and do not usually necessitate notifying a provider unless accompanied by other symptoms.
D.    "I should rinse my mouth after taking this medication."- Iron supplements can cause staining of the teeth, so rinsing the mouth after taking the medication can help prevent this side effect by remove any residual iron from the dental enamel.
E.    "I should take this medication with orange juice."- Taking Ferrous Sulfate with vitamin C, such as orange juice, can increase iron absorption.