A nurse is reinforcing teaching about liquid iron supplements with a client who has anemia. Which of the following information should the nurse include in the teaching?
- A. Take iron supplements between meals for maximum absorption.
- B. Mix iron supplements with milk to prevent staining of the teeth.
- C. Reduce gastric distress by taking iron supplements with an antacid.
- D. Check for orange-colored stools after 4 days of treatment.
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: Iron supplements treat anemia by boosting hemoglobin, but absorption and side effects guide administration. Option A is correct taking iron between meals maximizes absorption since food, especially calcium or fiber, can bind iron, reducing bioavailability. Gastric acid enhances uptake, so an empty stomach is ideal, though some tolerate it with a small snack if irritation occurs. Option B is wrong milk's calcium inhibits absorption and doesn't prevent teeth staining (diluting in juice does). Option C is incorrect antacids raise stomach pH, decreasing iron absorption, and may worsen deficiency. Option D is false iron typically causes black, not orange, stools due to unabsorbed iron oxidation; orange stools could signal another issue. Teaching about between-meal dosing empowers the client to optimize therapy, manage side effects (like constipation or nausea), and monitor for expected changes (e.g., darker stools), ensuring effective anemia treatment.
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A nurse is monitoring a client who has diabetes mellitus and a glucose level of 384 mg/dL. Which of the following findings should the nurse identify as an indication of metabolic acidosis?
- A. Tingling of the fingers
- B. Positive Trousseau's sign
- C. Increased respiratory rate
- D. Dizziness upon standing
- E. Hypotension
- F. Muscle weakness
- G. Dry mouth
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Increased respiratory rate (Kussmaul breathing) compensates for acidosis in diabetic ketoacidosis.
A nurse is reviewing vital signs obtained by an assistive personnel on a group of clients. Which of the following changes should the nurse identify as the priority finding?
- A. Heart rate change from 110/min to 68/min
- B. Respiratory rate change from 12/min to 20/min
- C. Blood pressure change from 118/78 mm Hg to 86/50 mm Hg
- D. Temperature change from 36.6°C (97.9°F) to 38.8°C (101.9°F)
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Blood pressure dropping to 86/50 mm Hg from 118/78 signals hypotension, risking organ perfusion a circulation priority per ABCs. Heart rate falling to 68 from 110 may normalize post-tachycardia, less urgent without distress. Respiratory rate rising to 20 from 12 suggests compensation, but hypotension trumps breathing acuity. Fever at 38.8°C indicates infection, but hemodynamic instability is more immediate shock or bleeding needs rapid action. This finding drives urgent assessment (e.g., fluids, vasopressors), aligning with triage protocols, making it the nurse's top concern.
A nurse is obtaining a sterile urine specimen from a client who has an indwelling urinary catheter. Identify the sequence the nurse should follow.
- A. Wipe the sample port with an alcohol wipe and let the alcohol dry.
- B. Clamp the catheter tubing distal to the sampling port for 15 min.
- C. Attach a sterile needleless syringe to the sample port and aspirate the specimen
- D. Document in the client's electronic medical record that the specimen was sent to the laboratory.
- E. Empty the urine into a sterile container labeled with the client identifiers
Correct Answer: B,A,C,E,D
Rationale: Sequence: Clamp tubing (B) to collect urine, wipe port (A), aspirate with syringe (C), transfer to container (E), and document (D) for a sterile specimen.
A home health nurse is assisting in the care of a client following a modified radical mastectomy. Which of the following statements by the client indicates effective coping?
- A. I would like to see what this looks like today.
- B. I would just like to spend my day staring at the TV.
- C. I'm going to close my eyes until you are done dressing my incision.
- D. I'm planning to stay at home until my breast reconstructive surgery.
- E. I don't care about my appearance anymore.
- F. I'll never leave the house again.
- G. I feel fine and don't need help.
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: Wanting to see the incision shows acceptance and engagement in recovery; other options suggest avoidance or denial.
Vital Signs
1000:
Temperature 37° C (98.6° F)
Blood pressure 132/60 mm Hg right arm supine
Blood pressure 118/60 mm Hg right arm sitting
Blood pressure 102/50 mm Hg right arm standing
Heart rate 108/min
Respiratory rate 24/min
Pulse oximetry 94% on room air
History and Physical
1000:
Client reports generalized weakness and increased fatigue over the past few months.
Client states they become short of breath after climbing a flight of stairs and are having difficulty keeping up with their grandchildren.
History of rheumatoid arthritis. Reports taking naproxen 500 mg twice a day.
Client reports they follow a vegan diet.
Denies pain or discomfort.
Bilateral breath sounds clear and present throughout.
Mucous membranes pale.
Apical pulse rapid, regular.
Nurses' Notes
1100:
Reinforced education about iron supplements and dietary recommendations.
Which of the following 3 statements indicate the client understands the instructions? (Iron deficiency anemia)
- A. I should increase green leafy vegetables in my diet
- B. The iron supplement might cause my stools to be black.
- C. I should expect to have swelling in my feet.
- D. I will take my iron supplement 1 hour before a meal.
- E. The iron supplement might cause ringing in my ears.
- F. I'll take it with milk for better absorption.
- G. I should avoid citrus fruits.
Correct Answer: A,B,D
Rationale: Green leafy vegetables provide iron, black stools are a side effect, and taking it before meals enhances absorption.
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