A nurse is reinforcing teaching with a client who is pregnant and has a prescription for Rho(D) immune globulin. Which of the following information should the nurse include?

Choice A rationale :

Scrambled eggs. Taking ferrous sulfate with scrambled eggs is not the optimal choice because eggs contain phytates, which can bind to iron and reduce its absorption. Therefore, it may hinder the effectiveness of the iron supplement, and the client may not receive the full benefit of the medication.

Choice B rationale

A high-fibre meal. While fiber is generally beneficial for digestion and overall health, it is not the best choice to take with ferrous sulfate. Fiber can also interfere with iron absorption in the same way as phytates, potentially reducing the medication's effectiveness.

Choice C rationale

Orange juice. The nurse should instruct the client to take the ferrous sulfate with orange juice. Orange juice is an excellent choice because it is rich in vitamin C. Vitamin C enhances the absorption of non-heme iron (the type of iron found in plant-based sources like ferrous sulfate). By taking the medication with orange juice, the client can maximize the absorption of iron and improve the treatment of iron-deficiency anaemia.

Choice D rationale

Milk. Consuming ferrous sulfate with milk is not advisable. Calcium, present in milk, can inhibit the absorption of iron. Therefore, taking the medication with milk might reduce the efficacy of the iron supplement and not provide the desired therapeutic effect.

The correct answer is choice A: Respiratory rate of 16/min.

Choice A rationale:

A respiratory rate of 16/min is within the normal range for adults, which is typically between 12 to 20 breaths per minute. In the context of severe preeclampsia, maintaining a normal respiratory rate is crucial when administering magnesium sulfate IV, as one of the signs of magnesium toxicity is respiratory depression. Therefore, a respiratory rate of 16/min indicates that the client is not experiencing respiratory depression and it is safe to continue the magnesium sulfate infusion.

Choice B rationale:

A heart rate of 60/min is at the lower end of the normal range, which is 60 to 100 beats per minute for adults. However, bradycardia or a low heart rate can be a sign of magnesium sulfate toxicity, especially if accompanied by other symptoms such as hypotension or altered mental status. Without additional context, a heart rate of 60/min alone does not necessarily indicate it is unsafe to continue the infusion, but it would require further assessment.

Choice C rationale:

A urine output of 50 mL in 4 hours is significantly below the expected minimum of 30 mL/hour for adults. Adequate urine output is an important indicator of kidney function and is essential for the excretion of magnesium. In the case of magnesium sulfate infusion for severe preeclampsia, a low urine output could indicate renal insufficiency and an increased risk of magnesium toxicity. Therefore, a urine output of 50 mL in 4 hours is a contraindication for continuing the infusion without further evaluation.

Choice D rationale:

Diminished deep-tendon reflexes can be a sign of magnesium toxicity. Deep-tendon reflexes are assessed to monitor for signs of magnesium overdose during infusion, as magnesium acts as a central nervous system depressant at high levels. If deep-tendon reflexes are diminished, it may suggest that the serum magnesium levels are too high, and the infusion should be paused or discontinued to prevent further toxicity.

In summary, the only finding that clearly indicates it is safe to continue the magnesium sulfate infusion is a normal respiratory rate, as provided in choice A. The other options either require further assessment or are indicators of potential magnesium toxicity.