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: Taking a baby aspirin with a full glass of cold water at bedtime is not a good discharge instruction for this client. Aspirin can increase the risk of bleeding, especially in the stomach and intestines. ¹ Taking aspirin at bedtime may increase the exposure of the GI mucosa to the drug and worsen the bleeding. ² Cold water may also irritate the stomach lining and cause discomfort.
Choice B reason: Taking 81 mg of enteric coated aspirin with orange juice at lunch time is not a good discharge instruction for this client. Enteric coated aspirin is designed to dissolve in the small intestine, not the stomach, to reduce the risk of GI bleeding. ³ However, orange juice is acidic and may damage the coating and release the aspirin in the stomach. ⁴ This may increase the bleeding and cause pain or ulcers.
Choice C reason: Taking the aspirin with some ginseng tea in the evening is not a good discharge instruction for this client. Ginseng is an herbal supplement that may interact with aspirin and increase the risk of bleeding. ⁵ Taking the aspirin in the evening may also have the same drawbacks as taking it at bedtime, as explained in choice A.
Choice D reason: Taking the aspirin with a glass of milk or food in the morning is the best discharge instruction for this client. Milk and food can help protect the stomach lining from the irritating effects of aspirin and reduce the risk of bleeding. Taking the aspirin in the morning can also minimize the exposure of the GI mucosa to the drug during the night, when the stomach is empty and more vulnerable. ²
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
Choice A reason: This option is not correct because the cholesterol level is within the normal range of less than 200 mg/dL¹, the HDL level is slightly low but not too far from the recommended level of over 40 mg/dL for men and over 50 mg/dL for women¹, and the triglyceride level is also within the normal range of less than 150 mg/dL¹. Therefore, this set of laboratory results does not indicate a need for dietary modifications.
Choice B reason: This option is not correct because the cholesterol level is low, the HDL level is high, and the triglyceride level is normal. These are all desirable results that reflect a low risk of coronary artery disease¹. Therefore, this set of laboratory results does not indicate a need for dietary modifications.
Choice C reason: This option is correct because the cholesterol level is high, the HDL level is low, and the triglyceride level is high. These are all unfavorable results that reflect a high risk of coronary artery disease¹. High cholesterol and triglycerides can lead to plaque buildup in the arteries, which can cause atherosclerosis and reduce blood flow to the heart². Low HDL can also increase the risk of heart disease because it does not help remove LDL (bad cholesterol) from the arteries². Therefore, this set of laboratory results indicates a need for dietary modifications, such as reducing saturated and trans fats, increasing fiber, and limiting alcohol³.
Choice D reason: This option is not correct because the cholesterol level is normal, the HDL level is high, and the triglyceride level is normal. These are all desirable results that reflect a low risk of coronary artery disease¹. Therefore, this set of laboratory results does not indicate a need for dietary modifications..
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