The nurse is planning care for a female client with a lower urinary tract infection (UTI). Which of the following interventions should be the priority for the nurse to include in the client's plan of care?

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

Over-the-counter Sudafed contains pseudoephedrine, which can cause urinary retention by stimulating alpha-adrenergic receptors, exacerbating symptoms treated by oxybutynin. Avoiding this combination reduces the risk of adverse effects, indicating correct client understanding.

Choice B rationale

Stopping the medication due to signs of infection is incorrect. Oxybutynin addresses bladder muscle control and is not associated with infection management. Reporting adverse effects is required, but discontinuation must follow medical advice.

Choice C rationale

Antidepressants like tricyclics have anticholinergic effects similar to oxybutynin, potentially increasing adverse effects. However, abrupt contraindication is incorrect unless specified by a healthcare provider, indicating a misunderstanding.

Choice D rationale

Urinary retention is a known side effect of oxybutynin. Reporting symptoms is correct, but this statement lacks broader understanding of the medication’s use and side effect profile. .