A nurse is caring for a patient with severe iron-deficiency anemia.
Which treatment option is typically reserved for cases of severe or symptomatic anemia that does not respond to iron supplements?
Administering iron supplements as prescribed.
Administering erythropoiesis-stimulating agents (ESAs)
Administering blood transfusions as prescribed.
Encouraging the patient to eat a balanced diet rich in iron.
The Correct Answer is C
Choice A rationale:
Administering iron supplements as prescribed.
Administering iron supplements is the primary treatment for iron-deficiency anemia.
However, in severe cases of anemia where the patient is symptomatic or unresponsive to iron supplements, blood transfusions may be necessary.
Choice B rationale:
Administering erythropoiesis-stimulating agents (ESAs)
ESAs can be used in the treatment of anemia, especially in chronic kidney disease patients, but they are not typically the first-line treatment for iron-deficiency anemia.
Iron replacement therapy is the primary approach to managing this condition.
Choice C rationale:
Administering blood transfusions as prescribed.
Administering blood transfusions is the correct choice for severe cases of iron-deficiency anemia that do not respond to iron supplements.
Blood transfusions can quickly increase the patient's red blood cell count and alleviate symptoms.
Choice D rationale:
Encouraging the patient to eat a balanced diet rich in iron.
Encouraging a balanced diet is important for preventing and managing iron-deficiency anemia, but it is not typically reserved for severe or symptomatic cases that do not respond to iron supplements.
In such cases, more immediate interventions like blood transfusions may be necessary.
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Related Questions
Correct Answer is ["A","C","E"]
Explanation
Choice A rationale:
Chronic gastrointestinal bleeding is a common cause of iron-deficiency anemia.
Blood loss from the gastrointestinal tract leads to the loss of iron, ultimately depleting iron stores in the body and impairing hemoglobin synthesis.
Choice B rationale:
High serum iron levels are not a potential cause of iron-deficiency anemia.
Iron-deficiency anemia is characterized by low serum iron levels, as the body lacks sufficient iron to produce hemoglobin.
Choice C rationale:
Inadequate dietary intake of iron can lead to iron-deficiency anemia, especially in individuals who do not consume enough iron-rich foods.
A lack of dietary iron can result in reduced iron absorption and insufficient iron stores in the body.
Choice D rationale:
Elevated serum ferritin levels are not a potential cause of iron-deficiency anemia.
In fact, elevated serum ferritin levels are more indicative of iron overload conditions rather than iron deficiency.
Choice E rationale:
Increased erythropoietic activity can be a compensatory response to iron-deficiency anemia.
When the body senses low oxygen-carrying capacity due to reduced hemoglobin levels, it may increase erythropoietin production, leading to the production of more red blood cells (erythropoiesis) in an attempt to improve oxygen delivery to tissues.
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
Choice A rationale:
Taking iron supplements with dairy products is not recommended for optimal iron absorption.
Calcium, present in dairy products, can inhibit the absorption of iron.
Therefore, it is best to take iron supplements separately from dairy products.
Choice B rationale:
Taking iron supplements on an empty stomach is the correct recommendation.
Iron absorption is enhanced when the supplements are taken on an empty stomach.
However, some individuals may experience gastrointestinal discomfort when taking iron on an empty stomach.
In such cases, it can be taken with a small amount of food that does not contain dairy products or high in calcium.
Choice C rationale:
Taking iron supplements with antacids is not recommended to reduce gastrointestinal side effects.
Antacids containing calcium can interfere with iron absorption, potentially worsening the anemia.
Therefore, it is best to avoid taking iron supplements with antacids.
Choice D rationale:
Taking iron supplements with a large meal is not the most effective way to improve their effectiveness.
In fact, taking iron supplements with a large meal can decrease iron absorption due to competition with other nutrients.
It is generally recommended to take iron supplements on an empty stomach or with a small, iron-friendly snack if gastrointestinal discomfort occurs.
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