The nurse receives the following order: "Ferrous sulfate 325 mg four times a day PO. Give on empty stomach." Even before researching, the nurse guesses that this is because the medication:
is better absorbed when there is no food in the stomach.
is destroyed by acid in the stomach
can cause constipation
is irritating to the gastric mucosa and may cause bleeding
The Correct Answer is B
Choice A rationale: Iron absorption is influenced by several factors, including the presence of food in the stomach. Food can interfere with iron absorption by forming
insoluble complexes with iron, reducing its bioavailability. Therefore, ferrous sulfate should be taken on an empty stomach, preferably one hour before or two hours after meals, to enhance its absorption and effectiveness.
Choice B rationale: Ferrous sulfate is not destroyed by acid in the stomach but instead acid enhances iron absorption by keeping it in a soluble form.
Choice C rationale: Constipation is a common side effect of iron supplementation, but this is not the primary reason for taking it on an empty stomach.
Choice D rationale: Ferrous sulfate can cause gastrointestinal bleeding in some cases, but this is not the primary reason for taking it on an empty stomach.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
Choice A rationale: Restlessness, confusion, and tachycardia are early signs of hypoxia, indicating inadequate oxygenation.
Choice B rationale: Bradycardia, dyspnea, and cyanosis are more indicative of advanced hypoxia.
Choice C rationale: Hypotension, vomiting, and cyanosis may suggest severe hypoxia or other medical issues but are not typically early signs.
Choice D rationale: Bradycardia, lethargy, and confusion are not typical early signs of hypoxia.
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
Choice A rationale: Administering the medication against the client's will is not respectful of the client's autonomy and right to make decisions about her own care.
Choice B rationale: Withholding the medication and reporting it to the prescriber is appropriate. The prescriber can reassess the situation and determine the next course of action.
Choice C rationale: Withholding the medication and filing an incident report may be premature; it is essential to involve the prescriber first.
Choice D rationale: Informing the client that the medication must be taken until the nurse gets an order to discontinue it may not be the best approach, as it does not respect the client's right to refuse treatment. The prescriber should be involved in the decision-making process.
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