A practical nurse is assigned to assist in the care of a laboring client at 42-weeks gestation with maternal intrapartum fever, chorioamnionitis. Four hours after admission, the practical nurse observes fetal heart rate decelerations occurring after the peak of contractions.
Which action should the practical nurse take?

Choice A rationale

Cheese is a good source of calcium and protein, but it is not a primary source of iron. Iron is essential for hemoglobin synthesis, and the client's hemoglobin and hematocrit levels are below normal ranges [Hemoglobin, pregnant female > 11 g/dL ( > 110 g/L); Hematocrit, pregnant female > 33% ( > 0.33 volume fraction)], indicating iron deficiency anemia.

Choice B rationale

Cauliflower is a cruciferous vegetable rich in vitamin C and fiber, but its iron content is relatively low. While vitamin C aids in iron absorption, cauliflower itself does not provide a significant amount of dietary iron to effectively address the client's anemic status.

Choice C rationale

Carrots are well-known for their beta-carotene content, a precursor to vitamin A, and provide fiber. However, carrots are not a significant source of iron. To combat iron deficiency anemia during pregnancy, foods rich in heme iron or non-heme iron with good bioavailability are required.

Choice D rationale

Chicken, particularly the dark meat, is a good source of heme iron, which is more readily absorbed by the body compared to non-heme iron found in plant-based foods. Given the client's anemic status, increasing dietary intake of iron-rich foods like chicken is crucial for improving hemoglobin and hematocrit levels.

Choice A rationale

Proper disposal of personal tissues in a no-touch receptacle is a general infection control measure, but it is not specific to the pathophysiology or transmission of Lyme disease, which is caused by the bacterium *Borrelia burgdorferi* and transmitted by ticks. This action does not directly address the primary disease process.

Choice B rationale

Maintaining bedrest during the prodromal phase is not a specific or primary intervention for Lyme disease. While rest can be beneficial for any illness, Lyme disease treatment focuses on antibiotic therapy to eradicate the spirochete and prevent disease progression.

Choice C rationale

The prompt administration of antiinfectives, typically antibiotics like doxycycline or amoxicillin, is crucial in treating Lyme disease. Early and consistent antibiotic therapy prevents dissemination of the spirochetes, reduces the severity of symptoms, and minimizes the risk of developing chronic complications such as Lyme arthritis or neurological Lyme disease.

Choice D rationale

Lyme disease is transmitted through the bite of infected ticks, primarily the blacklegged tick (*Ixodes scapularis*). It is not transmitted from person to person or from family pets, making avoidance of pets irrelevant to disease transmission or management.