A nurse is speaking on the phone to a client on the phone who is pregnant and taking iron supplements for iron-deficiency anemia. The client reports that her stools are black but she has no abdominal pain or cramping. Which of the following responses by the nurse is appropriate?
"Go to the emergency room and your provider will meet you the
"Come to the office and we will check things out."
"What else have you been eating?"
"This is expected because of the way iron is broken down during digestion."
The Correct Answer is D
Choice A rationale:
Going to the emergency room for black stools without abdominal pain or cramping is not warranted in this situation.
Choice B rationale:
Having the client come to the office to check things out may not be necessary since black stools can be an expected side effect of iron supplements and do not necessarily indicate a problem.
Choice C rationale:
Asking about the client's diet is a valid question, but the black stools are likely due to iron supplements' effects and not related to dietary choices.
Choice D rationale:
Black stools are a known side effect of iron supplements. When iron is broken down during digestion, it can cause the stools to appear black or dark. As the client has no other concerning symptoms like abdominal pain or cramping, this response by the nurse reassures the client that the finding is expected and not a cause for alarm.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
A. Breast engorgement typically occurs around days 3 to 5 postpartum, so encouraging frequent nursing at 14 hours postpartum will not impact milk production at this stage.
B. A temperature of 37.7°C (100°F) is a normal postpartum finding due to dehydration and hormonal changes. It does not require reporting unless it exceeds 38°C (100.4°F).
C. Increasing IV fluids is not necessary unless there is evidence of dehydration or another medical indication.
D. A slightly deviated fundus suggests bladder distension, which can interfere with uterine involution. Asking the client to empty her bladder helps the uterus contract properly and prevents complications such as postpartum hemorrhage.
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
Choice A rationale: Applying identification bands is an essential step in newborn care, but it is not the priority immediately after delivery. The nurse should first address the baby's physiological needs, such as drying and maintaining body temperature.
Choice B rationale: Assessing and documenting the Apgar score is important for evaluating the newborn's overall condition and response to delivery, but it is not the priority immediately after delivery.
Choice C rationale: Administering phytonadione (vitamin K) to prevent bleeding disorders in the newborn is essential, but it can be done after drying and stabilizing the baby's body temperature.
Choice D rationale: After ensuring a patent airway, the nurse's priority should be to dry the newborn. Drying the newborn is important for maintaining body temperature and preventing heat loss, especially during the immediate post-delivery period. Wet newborns can lose heat rapidly through evaporation, so drying the baby helps prevent hypothermia and stabilize the baby's body temperature.
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