A nurse is educating a pregnant client about iron supplementation during pregnancy. Which of the following instructions should the nurse include for the client?
Take your supplementation every other day to reduce Gl upset.
Take your supplementation with milk.
Take your supplement with orange juice.
Take your supplementation with tea first thing in the morning.
The Correct Answer is C
A. While some guidelines suggest that alternating days can reduce gastrointestinal side effects and improve absorption for certain formulations, the primary recommendation for iron absorption focuses on enhancers and inhibitors of absorption, not timing. Therefore, this is not the most important instruction for effectiveness.
B. Calcium in milk inhibits iron absorption, making it less effective when taken together. Iron supplements should not be taken with dairy products.
C. Vitamin C (ascorbic acid), found in orange juice, enhances the absorption of non-heme iron, which is the type found in most oral iron supplements. Taking iron with vitamin C–rich fluids significantly improves the effectiveness of supplementation.
D. Tea contains tannins, which inhibit iron absorption, reducing the effectiveness of the supplement. It is recommended to avoid tea, coffee, and high-calcium foods near the time of taking iron supplements.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
A. While catheterization may be needed before surgery (e.g., cesarean delivery) to prevent bladder injury and monitor urine output, it is not the first priority in this emergency scenario. The client’s hemodynamic stability must be addressed before preparing for procedures.
B. Preparing for surgery is important, but it is secondary to stabilizing the client. Immediate interventions to address potential hypovolemia take precedence over procedural preparation.
C. Obtaining consent is necessary prior to surgical intervention, but in an urgent situation such as suspected placenta previa with active bleeding, life-saving measures to stabilize maternal circulation take priority over paperwork.
D. This is the priority action. The client is showing signs of hemodynamic instability with hypotension (BP 98/52 mmHg) and tachycardia (HR 118/min), indicating potential hypovolemic shock from hemorrhage, likely due to placenta previa. Establishing large-bore IV access allows for rapid administration of fluid resuscitation, blood products, and medications as needed to maintain maternal perfusion and fetal oxygenation. This intervention directly addresses the most immediate threat to life.
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
A. While preterm infants are at increased risk for hypoglycemia due to limited glycogen stores and immature metabolic regulation, dexamethasone does not directly prevent hypoglycemia. Its pharmacologic action is not related to neonatal blood sugar management.
B. Dexamethasone is a corticosteroid given to pregnant clients at risk of preterm birth, typically between 24 and 34 weeks gestation. The medication crosses the placenta and stimulates fetal lung epithelial cells to produce surfactant, a substance that reduces alveolar surface tension, enabling the lungs to remain open for effective gas exchange after birth. By accelerating lung development, dexamethasone significantly reduces the risk of respiratory distress syndrome (RDS), intraventricular hemorrhage, necrotizing enterocolitis, and neonatal mortality. The most benefit is observed when delivery occurs 24–48 hours after the first dose but within 7 days of administration.
C. While corticosteroid therapy can have secondary benefits, including a reduction in intraventricular hemorrhage, this is not the primary purpose of dexamethasone administration. The main goal remains enhancing fetal lung maturity.
D. Dexamethasone is not a tocolytic and does not suppress preterm labor contractions. Tocolytic medications, such as magnesium sulfate, nifedipine, or indomethacin, are used for short-term suppression of uterine activity to allow time for corticosteroids to enhance fetal lung maturity.
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