A prenatal client has a suspected diagnosis of iron deficiency anemia. On assessment, which finding should the nurse expect to note as a result of this condition?
- A. Dehydration
- B. Overhydration
- C. A high hematocrit level
- D. A low hemoglobin level
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: Pathological anemia of pregnancy is primarily caused by iron deficiency. When the hemoglobin level is below 11 mg/dL (110 mmol/L), iron deficiency is suspected. An indirect index of the oxygen-carrying capacity is determined via a packed red blood cell volume or hematocrit level. Dehydration and overhydration are not specifically associated with iron deficiency anemia.
You may also like to solve these questions
A low dose of ondansetron is prescribed for a client receiving chemotherapy. The nurse anticipates that the primary health care provider will prescribe the medication by which route?
- A. Oral
- B. Intranasal
- C. Intravenous
- D. Subcutaneous
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Ondansetron is an antiemetic used to control nausea, vomiting, and motion sickness. It is available for administration by the oral, intramuscular (IM), or intravenous (IV) routes. The IV route is the route used when relief of nausea is needed in the client receiving chemotherapy. The IM route may be used when the medication is used as an adjunct to anesthesia. Option 1 should not be used in clients who are nauseated. Options 2 and 4 are not routes of administration of this medication.
The nurse has a prescription to administer hydroxyzine to a client by the intramuscular route. Before administering the medication, what information should the nurse share with the client?
- A. Excessive salivation is a side effect.
- B. There will be some pain at the injection site.
- C. There should be relief from nausea within 5 minutes.
- D. The client may experience increased agitation for about 2 hours.
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Hydroxyzine is an antiemetic and sedative/hypnotic that may be used in conjunction with opioid analgesics for added effect. The injection can be painful. Hydroxyzine causes dry mouth and drowsiness as side effects. Agitation is not a usual side effect. Medications administered by the intramuscular route generally take 20 to 30 minutes to become effective.
What should the pregnant client be taught to immediately eliminate in the first trimester to promote normal fetal organ development?
- A. Smoking
- B. Caffeine
- C. Alcohol
- D. Fatty foods
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The first trimester, 'organogenesis,' is characterized by the differentiation and development of fetal organs, systems, and structures. The effects of alcohol on the developing fetus during this critical period depend not only on the amount of alcohol consumed, but also on the interaction of quantity, frequency, type of alcohol, and other drugs that may be abused during this period by the pregnant woman. Eliminating consumption of alcohol during this time may promote normal fetal organ development. Although options 1, 2, and 3 may be concerns, they are not specifically associated with the first trimester of pregnancy.
A client in labor has a diagnosis of sickle cell anemia. Which action will the nurse take to assist in preventing the client from experiencing a sickling crisis during labor?
- A. Being reassuring
- B. Administering oxygen
- C. Preventing bearing down
- D. Maintaining strict asepsis
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: During the labor process, the client with sickle cell anemia is at high risk for being unable to meet the oxygen demands of labor. Administering oxygen will prevent sickle cell crisis during labor. Intravenous (IV) fluid therapy will also reduce the risk of a sickle cell crisis.
The home health nurse is performing an initial assessment on a client who has been discharged after an insertion of a permanent pacemaker. Which client statement indicates that an understanding of self-care is evident?
- A. I will never be able to operate a microwave oven again.
- B. I should expect occasional feelings of dizziness and fatigue.
- C. I will take my pulse in the wrist or neck daily and record it in a log.
- D. Moving my arms and shoulders vigorously helps check pacemaker functioning.
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Clients with permanent pacemakers must be able to take their pulse in the wrist and/or neck accurately so as to note any variation in the pulse rate or rhythm that may need to be reported to the primary health care provider. Clients can safely operate most appliances and tools, such as microwave ovens, video recorders, AM-FM radios, electric blankets, lawn mowers, and leaf blowers, as long as the devices are grounded and in good repair. If the client experiences any feelings of dizziness, fatigue, or an irregular heartbeat, the primary health care provider is notified. The arms and shoulders should not be moved vigorously for 6 weeks after insertion.