A nurse is teaching a client who has a prescription for ferrous gluconate. Which of the following statements by the client indicates an understanding of the teaching?

A. "I should stay upright for at least 15 minutes after taking this medication.": This advice is usually given with medications like bisphosphonates to prevent esophageal irritation. It is not necessary for ferrous gluconate.
B. "I should take this medication with 8 ounces of milk.": Iron supplements should not be taken with milk or other dairy products because they can interfere with iron absorption.
C. "I should take an antacid with this medication to prevent stomach upset.": Antacids can also interfere with iron absorption and should be taken separately from iron supplements.
D. "I should notify my provider if my stools turn black."
Ferrous gluconate is an iron supplement used to treat iron deficiency anemia. One common side effect of iron supplementation is the darkening of stools, often to a black color. This is not harmful but is important for the client to be aware of. It is due to the reaction of iron with the acids and enzymes in the gastrointestinal tract.

A. "Keep the tablets at room temperature in their original glass bottle." This is a correct storage instruction. Nitroglycerin tablets are sensitive to heat and light, so they should be stored in their original container, protected from light, and kept at room temperature.

B. "Discard any tablets you do not use every 6 months." This is not an accurate instruction. Nitroglycerin tablets usually have an expiration date printed on the label, and they should be discarded after that date.

C. "Take one tablet each morning 30 minutes prior to eating." This is not an accurate instruction. Sublingual nitroglycerin is taken as needed to relieve angina symptoms, not on a regular schedule like a daily medication.

D. "Place the tablet between your cheek and gum to dissolve."

Sublingual nitroglycerin tablets are used to relieve angina symptoms by causing vasodilation, which increases blood flow to the heart muscle. To take sublingual nitroglycerin tablets effectively, the client should be instructed to place the tablet between the cheek and gum to dissolve. This allows the medication to be absorbed through the mucous membranes in the mouth and enter the bloodstream quickly, providing rapid relief from angina symptoms.