A nurse is reinforcing teaching with a client who has a prescription for ferrous sulfate elixir.
Which of the following statements by the client indicates an understanding of the teaching?
"I can prevent nausea if I take the medication on an empty stomach."
"I will report black stools to my doctor."
"I will mix the medication with a full glass of water."
"I can prevent constipation if I drink more milk while taking this medication."
The Correct Answer is C
a. Ferrous sulfate works best when you take it on an empty stomach. However, taking ferrous sulfate on an empty stomach can actually increase the risk of gastrointestinal side effects, such as nausea. It is often recommended to take it with food to reduce nausea, even though absorption is best on an empty stomach. Thus, this statement does not indicate proper understanding.
b. Black stools are a common side effect of taking iron supplements and are usually not a cause for concern unless they are tarry or associated with other symptoms, which could indicate gastrointestinal bleeding. Reporting black stools to the doctor is typically not necessary unless the stool is tarry and has other concerning symptoms like abdominal pain or bleeding. This statement reflects a misunderstanding of common side effects.
c. Mixing ferrous sulfate elixir with a full glass of water is advisable because it helps dilute the medication, making it easier to swallow and reducing the risk of gastrointestinal irritation. This practice also ensures that the medication is taken completely. This statement indicates a correct understanding of how to take the medication properly.
d. While staying hydrated can help manage constipation, milk is not recommended with iron supplements because calcium in milk can interfere with the absorption of iron. Instead, increasing water intake, eating a high-fiber diet, and considering other dietary measures would be better advice for preventing constipation.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
Before any invasive procedure, it is essential to ensure that the client has provided informed consent. Informed consent involves providing the client with information about the procedure, its risks, benefits, and alternatives, allowing them to make an informed decision about their healthcare. The nurse should verify that the client has been adequately informed about the esophagogastroduodenoscopy procedure and has given consent before proceeding.

Informing the client about the procedure duration of 60 minutes is not a priority action. While it is helpful to provide the client with information about the procedure, the specific duration of the procedure may vary depending on various factors, and it does not require immediate attention prior to the procedure.
Ensuring that the client's bladder is full is not necessary for an esophagogastroduodenoscopy procedure. The procedure involves examining the upper gastrointestinal tract and does not involve the bladder or urinary system.
Administering an oral contrast solution is not typically required for an esophagogastroduodenoscopy procedure. Oral contrast solutions are commonly used for other
diagnostic imaging procedures, such as computed tomography (CT) scans or barium studies, but not for esophagogastroduodenoscopy.
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
Hyperactive bowel sounds refer to an increased intensity, frequency, and loudness of bowel sounds. They are typically described as loud, high-pitched, and occurring more frequently than normal. This can indicate increased bowel motility and may be associated with conditions such as diarrhea, gastroenteritis, or bowel obstruction.
No sounds heard after listening for 3 to 5 minutes: This describes absent or hypoactive bowel sounds, where no sounds or very few sounds are heard. It can indicate decreased or absent bowel motility and may be seen in conditions such as ileus or peritonitis.
Sounds are soft and at a rate of 1/min: This describes normal or hypoactive bowel sounds, where the sounds are relatively quiet and occur at a slower rate (usually 5-34 sounds per minute). It may be observed in situations such as during sleep, after eating, or in certain conditions like constipation or paralytic ileus.
Indicates decreased motility: This is an inaccurate statement for hyperactive bowel sounds.
Hyperactive bowel sounds actually indicate increased motility, as mentioned earlier. Decreased motility would be associated with hypoactive or absent bowel sounds.
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