Med Surg RN NCLEX Questions Related

Review Med Surg RN NCLEX Questions related questions and content

A client with iron deficiency anemia is refusing to take the prescribed oral iron medication because the medication is causing nausea. The nurse should do which of the following? Select all that apply.

  • A. Suggest that the client use ginger when taking the medication.
  • B. Ask the client what she thinks is causing the nausea.
  • C. Tell the client to use stool softeners to minimize constipation.
  • D. Offer to administer the medication by an intramuscular injection.
  • E. Suggest that the client take the iron with orange juice.
Correct Answer: A,B,E

Rationale: Nausea and vomiting are common adverse effects of oral iron preparations. The nurse should first ask the client why she does not want to take the oral medication, and then suggest ways to decrease the nausea and vomiting. Ginger may help minimize the nausea and the client can try this remedy and evaluate its effectiveness. Iron should be taken on an empty stomach but can be taken with orange juice to enhance absorption and potentially reduce nausea. The client can evaluate if this helps the nausea. Stool softeners are not typically recommended for iron deficiency anemia, as constipation is better managed with a high-fiber diet. Intramuscular iron is a last resort and not appropriate unless oral administration is ineffective.