A nurse is collecting data from a client who is receiving IV therapy. The nurse suspects fluid infiltration. Which of the following findings should the nurse expect at the insertion site?

A. Taking ferrous sulfate on an empty stomach can increase absorption but often causes nausea and gastrointestinal upset. Clients are usually advised to take it with a small amount of food if stomach upset occurs.

B. Drinking more milk does not prevent constipation and can actually decrease the absorption of iron due to calcium content. Adequate fluids and fiber are recommended instead to manage constipation.

C. Black stools are a common and expected side effect of ferrous sulfate due to iron content. Reporting them is not necessary unless accompanied by other concerning symptoms like bleeding or abdominal pain.

D. Mixing ferrous sulfate elixir with a full glass of water helps dilute the medication, reducing irritation to the gastrointestinal tract. It also ensures proper dosing and facilitates easier swallowing of the liquid medication.

A. “Discontinue the medication. I will ask your provider for another antibiotic.”: This is correct. Ciprofloxacin and other fluoroquinolones are associated with a risk of tendonitis and tendon rupture, particularly in the Achilles tendon. The pain in the calf muscle could indicate this side effect. The nurse should recommend discontinuing the medication and notifying the provider for further evaluation.

B. “That reaction means your dose is too high. Cut the pill in half.”: This is incorrect. The pain in the calf muscle is likely related to a known side effect of ciprofloxacin, rather than the dose being too high. Adjusting the dose is not the appropriate solution.

C. “Continue to take the medication. Calf pain is a minor reaction that will resolve itself.”: This is incorrect. Calf pain may be indicative of a serious side effect, such as tendonitis or tendon rupture, and the medication should be discontinued until the provider evaluates the client.

D. “This is an allergic reaction. Take the medication with an antihistamine.”: This is incorrect. The pain in the calf muscle is more likely due to tendon-related side effects, not an allergic reaction. Ciprofloxacin-related tendon pain requires immediate attention, and antihistamines would not address the underlying issue.