The nurse is caring for a client diagnosed with secondary immune thrombocytopenic purpura (ITP). The nurse should expect the client to be tested for which of the following possible causes?

Choice A rationale

Pregnant women may experience increased iron demands due to expanded blood volume and fetal requirements. However, prescribed prenatal vitamins typically contain sufficient iron to prevent deficiency. Compliance with supplementation reduces the risk for anemia, and pregnancy itself is not an independent factor without nutritional inadequacy. Other physiological conditions, such as menorrhagia or dietary restrictions, can significantly elevate risk factors for iron deficiency anemia.

Choice B rationale

Hypertension does not inherently increase the risk of iron deficiency anemia. Exercise three times a week is unlikely to create significant hematological challenges unless combined with conditions like poor dietary intake or chronic illness. Physical activity does not deplete iron stores unless excessive or accompanied by inappropriate nutrition. This client does not exhibit risk factors as critical as menorrhagia or dietary restrictions for anemia development.

Choice C rationale

Working long hours and consuming a high-carbohydrate diet might affect overall health, but these factors do not directly relate to iron absorption or blood loss. While poor nutritional habits can lead to deficiencies, high carbohydrate intake does not necessarily deplete iron reserves. A vegetarian or restrictive diet lacking iron-rich foods poses a greater risk for developing anemia than carbohydrate consumption alone.

Choice D rationale

Menorrhagia results in excessive blood loss during menstruation, which can deplete iron stores and lead to anemia. A strict vegetarian diet often lacks heme iron, which is more readily absorbed compared to non-heme iron from plant sources. Together, these factors create a dual risk of iron deficiency, emphasizing why this client is the most likely among the options to develop anemia. Nutritional counseling and supplementation are key preventive measures.

Choice A rationale

Malaise is more associated with systemic conditions, such as upper urinary tract infections or generalized illness, rather than isolated lower urinary tract infections. Lower UTIs tend to present with localized urinary symptoms rather than systemic effects.

Choice B rationale

Chills suggest systemic involvement and are characteristic of pyelonephritis or upper urinary tract infections. Lower UTIs typically do not produce systemic signs like chills, as the infection is confined to the bladder and urethra.

Choice C rationale

Dysuria is a classic symptom of lower UTIs. It results from inflammation of the bladder mucosa due to the presence of pathogenic organisms. The irritation of the urinary tract leads to painful or difficult urination, confirming the diagnosis of lower UTI.

Choice D rationale

High fever, like chills, is indicative of upper urinary tract infections, such as pyelonephritis. Lower UTIs are generally afebrile, presenting more with localized urinary symptoms rather than systemic manifestations.

Choice E rationale

Urinary frequency is another hallmark symptom of lower UTIs, caused by bladder irritation. The infection leads to an increased urge to urinate, even when little urine is produced. This symptom is specific to lower UTIs and supports the diagnosis when present.