The nurse is following up with a male client, diagnosed 3 months ago, with erectile dysfunction who attempted lifestyle modifications as the first line of treatment.
The client reports having continued symptoms.
The nurse should discuss which of the following types of treatment with the client next?

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

Avoiding exposure to cold climates is not specific to thalassemia prevention. While cold environments may exacerbate general vasoconstriction, they do not influence the genetic and hematologic basis of thalassemia symptoms.

Choice B rationale

Increasing fluid intake does not directly address thalassemia pathophysiology. While hydration is vital, it does not correct the primary anemia or the compromised oxygen delivery stemming from abnormal hemoglobin synthesis.

Choice C rationale

Iron and vitamin B12-rich foods are beneficial for conditions involving deficiency anemia. However, thalassemia involves a genetic defect in hemoglobin chains, so excess iron could even result in iron overload complications.

Choice D rationale

Medications and substances that exacerbate hemolysis, such as sulfonamides or antimalarials, should be avoided in thalassemia. Awareness and prevention of exposure are key to minimizing symptoms and complications in affected individuals. .