A patient has recently started ferrous sulfate 500 mg by mouth two times per day for anemia. Which of the following data would indicate to the nurse that the therapy is successful?
International normalized ratio 1.3 seconds
Hemoglobin 14 g/dL
Serum iron 150 mcg/dL
Platelet count 250,000/mm3
The Correct Answer is B
Choice A reason: The international normalized ratio (INR) is a measure of the blood's ability to clot. It is not affected by ferrous sulfate therapy, which is used to treat iron deficiency anemia. The normal range of INR is 0.8 to 1.2 seconds.
Choice B reason: Hemoglobin is the protein in red blood cells that carries oxygen. It is the main indicator of anemia and the response to iron therapy. The normal range of hemoglobin for adults is 12 to 18 g/dL. A hemoglobin level of 14 g/dL suggests that the patient's anemia has improved with ferrous sulfate therapy.
Choice C reason: Serum iron is the amount of iron in the blood. It is not a reliable indicator of anemia or iron therapy, as it can fluctuate with dietary intake, infection, inflammation, and other factors. The normal range of serum iron for adults is 50 to 170 mcg/dL.
Choice D reason: Platelet count is the number of platelets in the blood. Platelets are involved in blood clotting and wound healing. They are not affected by ferrous sulfate therapy, which is used to treat iron deficiency anemia. The normal range of platelet count for adults is 150,000 to 450,000/mm3.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
Choice A reason: Vitamin B12 does not contribute to the increased production of RBCs after significant blood loss. Vitamin B12 is a type of vitamin that is essential for the normal formation and maturation of red blood cells (RBCs), which carry oxygen throughout the body. ¹ However, vitamin B12 does not increase the production of RBCs in response to blood loss. That is the role of erythropoietin, a hormone that stimulates the bone marrow to produce more RBCs. ²
Choice B reason: Vitamin B12 is not needed to prevent excessive production of red blood cells. Vitamin B12 is needed for the normal production of red blood cells, not for the prevention of overproduction. Excessive production of red blood cells, also known as polycythemia, can cause the blood to become thick and viscous, increasing the risk of clotting and stroke. ³ Polycythemia can be caused by various factors, such as smoking, dehydration, or genetic mutations, but not by a lack of vitamin B12.
Choice C reason: Vitamin B12 is not needed to prevent RBCs from sticking together. Vitamin B12 is needed for the normal formation and maturation of RBCs, not for the prevention of aggregation. RBCs can stick together and form clumps, also known as rouleaux, which can impair blood flow and oxygen delivery. Rouleaux can be caused by various factors, such as inflammation, infection, or cancer, but not by a lack of vitamin B12.
Choice D reason: Vitamin B12 is needed for the normal formation and maturation of RBCs, but it cannot be absorbed by the body without a substance called intrinsic factor. Intrinsic factor is a protein that is produced by the stomach and binds to vitamin B12, allowing it to be absorbed by the small intestine. ¹ Pernicious anemia is a type of anemia that occurs when the stomach does not produce enough intrinsic factor, leading to vitamin B12 deficiency. The only way to treat pernicious anemia is by giving vitamin B12 injections, which bypass the need for intrinsic factor.
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
Choice A reason: Furosemide 40 mg PO daily is not the medication that the nurse should administer for chest pain. Furosemide is a diuretic that reduces fluid volume and lowers blood pressure, but it does not relieve anginal pain.
Choice B reason: Diltiazem 30 mg PO daily is not the medication that the nurse should administer for chest pain. Diltiazem is a calcium channel blocker that relaxes the blood vessels and lowers blood pressure, but it does not act quickly enough to relieve acute anginal pain.
Choice C reason: Metoprolol 25 mg PO bid is not the medication that the nurse should administer for chest pain. Metoprolol is a beta blocker that slows down the heart rate and lowers blood pressure, but it does not act quickly enough to relieve acute anginal pain.
Choice D reason: Nitroglycerin 0.4 mg SL PRN is the medication that the nurse should administer for chest pain. Nitroglycerin is a nitrate that dilates the coronary arteries and increases blood flow to the heart, thus relieving anginal pain. It is given sublingually (under the tongue) as needed for chest pain.
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